Sterling Philip-Marcellus Burgette Sr.

On January 12, 1941, an angel was brought to this earth and gifted to Weart Burgette and Etheline (Murray) Burgette. They gave their little angel the name of Sterling Philip-Marcellus Burgette. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri with his six siblings. Sterling attended and graduated from Central High School in 1959, having accomplished accolades in track and field and various other sports. He attended Drake University and Nebraska State University where he ran track and field and continued his general studies.

After leaving college, he was employed by Ford Motor Company, KC Water Company, and House of Seward Cleaning for several years. At the time of his passing, he was a School Crossing Guard, assisting children across the street and handing out candy to the children he knew. More than just an exceptional employee, he was known to be the comic relief in and away from his jobs. He had a very charismatic, gentle, and caring spirit that made people naturally gravitate towards him. It was during this time that he settled down and married Ms. Berta M. Woodson to this union they would go on to have and raise three beautiful children: Sterling Burgette, Jr., James Burgette, and Jocelyn Burgette. Mr. Sterling Sr. also had two additional children, Jacque Toombs and Syniara Toombs. He passed on his love of sports to his boys and his kindred spirit to his girls. Sterling, Sr. would raise his children to adulthood, and see them branch out to have their own families. His children blessed him with 11 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, whom he cherished and loved very much. He loved to hear “Hey PawPaw,” as his grandkids would always greet him. He always replied, “Hey buddy,” with the brightest smile anyone had ever seen.

An avid supporter and pillar of his community, Sterling, Sr. helped those less fortunate around him by assisting them in the best way he knew how. He was well-liked and heavily respected. In his free time, he liked going to watch the boys’ basketball and football games at Central High School, reading his KC Star and The Call newspapers, and watching the Chiefs and the Royals play. He also appreciated being able to spend time and converse with his family.

On December 8, 2022, Sterling, Sr. left earth to go back home amongst the stars, right next to his Savior! He had outlived his parents, four brothers, and sister; leaving to survive his older sister, IdaBelle Burgette.

Sterling Burgette, Sr. was steadfast in his faith, and we are glad that he is finally resting peacefully.

Daddy/ PawPaw, we will always love you and carry your memory with us!