Henry Douglas Burge, 87, of Lenexa, Kansas, formerly of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at the University of Kansas Health System Olathe Hospice House, with his beloved wife, Charlene, by his side.
Henry was born January 15, 1939, on the family farmstead in Oil Trough, Arkansas, to Coy J. Burge, Sr. and Elizabeth Hankins Burge Melton. He attended grade school in Oil Trough and high school in Newport, Arkansas, before moving to Wichita, Kansas, where he graduated from Wichita North High School.
Growing up on the family farm instilled in Henry a strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life. Following high school, he joined the Army National Guard and served in the reserves for several years. Henry was especially proud of his military service and remained deeply committed to the honor of serving his country.
Henry built a long and successful career with Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, beginning humbly in Wichita, Kansas. Through hard work and determination, he advanced to route salesman and continued taking on positions of increasing responsibility. His career took Henry and his family to Wellington, Kansas; Hutchinson, Kansas, where he served as warehouse manager; Emporia, Kansas; and Dodge City, Kansas, where he became general manager of the bottling plant. In 1984, the family moved to Hays, Kansas, where Henry ultimately served as Executive Vice President before retiring from Pepsi-Cola.
Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. Henry and Charlene purchased Wardrobe Cleaners in Dodge City, where they worked side by side as owners and operators for 10 years. Following their second retirement, they moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, where they built a wonderful life filled with friendships, service, golf, fishing, and countless good stories.
Henry was incredibly proud of his family. He met the love of his life, Charlene Woodson, on a blind date in Wichita, Kansas. They married on April 30, 1961, beginning a remarkable marriage that spanned more than 65 years. Together they raised three daughters and created a family that remained the center of Henry’s life.
Henry was a devoted husband and father, a selfless provider, and a steady presence for his family. He was courageous, consistent, humble, hardworking, and a role model whose actions spoke louder than words. His family knew they could depend on him, and his love for them was constant throughout his life.
Henry is survived by his wife, Charlene Burge; his three daughters, Teresa (Byron) Smith of Richfield, Kansas; Michelle (Jonathon) Johnson of Chanute, Kansas; and Heidi McIntyre of Lenexa, Kansas.
He is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Tawni (Chris) Lehecka of Salina, Kansas; Heidi (Codey) Clinkingbeard of Independence, Kansas; Alecia (Quinn) Barrett of San Tan Valley, Arizona; Logan Smith of Richfield, Kansas; Mason (Katie) Johnson of Bloomington, Indiana; Harrison Johnson (Masa Washio) of Ambergate, Western Australia; Grayson Johnson of Chanute, Kansas; Katie McIntyre of San Francisco, California; and Matthew McIntyre of Lenexa, Kansas.
Henry was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Skylar, Cooper and Sydney Lehecka; Calvin and Kipp Barrett; Piper Clinkingbeard; and Max and Addie Johnson.
He is also survived by his siblings, Kitty Ann McMullin of Batesville, Arkansas; Harold Burge of Marianna, Florida; and Dennis (Bettie) Burge of Wichita, Kansas; his brother-in-law, William Woodson of Augusta, Kansas; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Coy J. Burge, Jr.; his sisters, Edith Hancock and Verla Beth Brown; his brothers-in-law, Charles Woodson and Wilbur Woodson; and his sisters-in-law, Wilma Woodson and Nancy Woodson.
Service to others and involvement in his community were important parts of Henry’s life. He was a member of St. Bernard Lodge No. 222 of the Kansas Freemasons in Dodge City, the Fairfield Bay Shrine Club, and the Midian Shrine Clowns Unit. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose in North Little Rock, Arkansas, the Indian Hills Golf Association, and Fairfield Bay United Methodist Church.
Henry also gave his time in service to the Fairfield Bay Emergency Medical System, volunteering as an ambulance driver—another reflection of his willingness to step forward whenever someone needed help.
To know Henry was to love him. He truly never knew a stranger. He was a fisherman, hunter, golfer, storyteller, and loyal friend. Henry had a natural ability to make people feel welcome, and those who knew him understood that an open garage door at Henry’s house was practically an invitation: stop in, pull up a chair, enjoy a cold beverage, and stay for a story—or two.
He formed numerous close friendships throughout his life and cherished each one. Whether through work, his community, the Masons and Shriners, the golf course, his church, or simply conversations among friends, Henry left people with stories and memories they would carry with them.
In June 2025, Henry and Charlene moved from Fairfield Bay to Lenexa, Kansas, to be closer to their family. That final chapter allowed Henry to remain surrounded by the people who meant the most to him.
Henry’s life was defined not by titles or accomplishments alone, but by the way he lived: working hard, providing for his family, serving others, keeping his word, welcoming strangers, enjoying a good story, and loving his family deeply.
In accordance with Henry’s wishes, he was cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Henry’s name to Shriners Hospital in care of:
Porter Funeral Home & Crematory
8535 Monrovia Street
Lenexa, KS 66215
Memorial information is also available through the Porter Funeral Home website at porterfuneralhome.com.
Henry will be deeply missed, but the stories he told, the friendships he built, the example he set, and the love he gave his family will live on for generations.