A Celebration of life for Vergel Francis Burress, 88, will be held on Thursday, May 28, at Lone Oak Assembly of God, at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Dallas – Fort Worth National Cemetery, at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, in Dallas, beginning at 2:30 p.m., with full military honors.
Mr. Burress died on May 10, 2026. He was born on January 14, 1938.
He was a native of Texas, and graduated from Raymondville High School in Willacy, in 1955, where his classmates playfully voted him most likely to see an alien—a testament to his outgoing and imaginative spirit. After high school, he worked for the highway department until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in March of 1960. His military career was distinguished and honorable, serving 22 years and 18 days. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) in 1982. He took immense pride in his service, especially his role as the leader of all Air Force electronic laboratories in Europe, and his time at the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) in Ramstein, Germany. His final stationing was at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan.
After his military retirement, Mr. Burress embarked on a journey of exploration across the United States before beginning his second career at Tucker Electronics in Garland. He finally retired from Tucker and embraced the next two decades living his dreams—traveling abundantly with his family, tending to his gardens, woodworking, golfing, hunting, fishing, and spent joyous time engaging in board games, cards, and farkle with loved ones.
He married his beloved wife Anita in their home in Sachse, on August 3, 1991. The birth of his son, Vergel Burress II, brought immeasurable joy, and he was also a proud stepfather to three stepsons.
His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and his favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” was emblematic of his heartfelt devotion to God.
Mr. Burress is survived by his wife of 35 years, Anita Burress of East Tawakoni; son, Vergel Francis Burress II of Garland; stepsons, Jared Moore and wife Tiffany of Midland, Nathan Moore and wife Christie of Farmersville, and Lyndsey Moore and wife Michelle of Lavon; grandchildren, Caleb and Brayden Moore, Hunter and Amber Moore, and Kara and Colton Moore; siblings, Zelda and Kenneth Stewart of Kerrville, Allen Burress of Azle, Lou Lou Galmiche of Fulshear; brother-in-law, Wayne Foster of Cedar Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lola Francis and Vergel Alvie Burress; and siblings, Bobby Burress, John Burress and Louise Huddleston.