Roy J. Burden, Jr.

Roy Jesse Burden, Jr., 102, of Kilgore, went to be with his Heavenly Father on August 2, 2021.

Roy was born in Barnes, Texas, July 9, 1919, to parents Roy Jesse Burden, Sr., and Trellis (Jones) Burden. He was the youngest son in a family of eight children and attended school in Chester.

A decorated veteran of World War II, Roy served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war ended, Roy met his wife, Rexine, whom he married after a six-week courtship. The two were blessed with three daughters and reached the rare milestone of a 75th anniversary this past May.

In 1945, Roy began a 39-year career with Gulf Oil Corporation in south Louisiana, continuing in the oilfields of south, west, and east Texas as a materials management director. He and Rexine retired to Brownwood in 1984, relocating to Kilgore in 2000 to be closer to family.

When not working, Roy enjoyed traveling across the United States with his family and close friends. He also raised and trained English setters, competed in field trials, and was an avid bird hunter. Roy was a member of the Masonic Lodge and of First Presbyterian Church of Kilgore.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Travis, June, William, and Edward Burden; sisters Lois Havis, Irene Aldredge, and Doris Hunter; and son-in-law Dr. Bronte D. Baker.

Roy is survived by his wife, Rexine (Carlisle) of Kilgore; daughter Royce Moss (husband Larry) of Bonham; daughter Joyce Baker of Kilgore; and daughter Denise McMillan (husband Michael), of Kilgore.

Surviving grandchildren are Travis Moss (wife Karen) of Houston; Brandy McMillan Brannon (husband Jason) of Kilgore; Sara Moss Green (husband Aaron) of McKinney; Jeb Baker of Conroe; Darrin Baker of Las Vegas; Jarrod Moss (wife Katrina) of Sherman; and Wendy McMillan Robuck (husband Chris) of Kilgore. Roy is also survived by twenty great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation time for family and friends of Roy Burden has been scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 7, in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Kilgore, after which a Celebration of Life is set for 2 p.m., with Rev. Harry C. Meissner officiating. Burial is to follow at Danville Cemetery. Grandsons and great grandsons of Roy will serve as pallbearers.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to those who have been caregivers to Roy for the past several years, including the staff of Arabella of Kilgore, where he and Rexine resided for seven years; also, Dr. Surya Lanka and his staff; the staff of Arbor Grace of Kilgore; and Heart to Heart Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Saturday Bread Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Kilgore @ P.O. Box 1216 Kilgore, TX 75663