Charles Bruce Burge

A very special and much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Charles Bruce Burge, 77, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on May 10th, 2021. Bruce was born on June 18th, 1943 in DeRidder, Louisiana but resided in the San Antonio area for the past 23 years to be a special part of his Grandchildren’s everyday lives and where he also met and married his soulmate, Joy.

Bruce proudly served in the Army National Guard. He also took great pride in his many years of employment with Kansas City Southern Railroad and retired after 40 years. He said many times that “it never feels like work if you love what you do.” Bruce had a work ethic to be admired. Even at the ripe age of 60+, he could work circles around all of those young bucks. Bruce loved KCS Railroad but also cherished his many friends and brothers he felt so fortunate to be able to work with for so many years, and often spoke of looking forward to reuniting with those gone before him when it is his time. What a reunion they all must have had!

Bruce began his Masonic journey at a very young age to which he was very proud. Right before his passing, he received his 50-year service award as a Freemason. In the beginning he sought membership because of the mystical, secret society and positive examples held for the community but soon learned that becoming a Mason enriched his Spirituality, Manhood and Life. He spoke often how it was the map to self-success, brotherly love, honesty, true friendship and giving back to the community.

Bruce loved the Lord. His Faith was very important to him. He knew where he would be spending his eternal life and it was equally as important to him that his family and friends would share that eternal life. He enjoyed attending church with his Wife every Sunday and also loved that good home cookin and fellowship at his home Church, Church of the First Born. Bruce was never shy about belting out his renditions of old Gospel Songs.

Bruce enjoyed watching Westerns and we often joked that he was born in the wrong era. He loved the beauty of the outdoors, hunting, people watching and sharing his cookies with his pup, Marshmellow. Bruce was a jack of all trades and was the world's most talented carpenter. There was nothing he couldn’t build or fix and he utilized those blessings and talents to help others.

Giving to the community was a true gift that Bruce exhibited in his everyday life. There is story after story of this kind, generous, big-hearted teddy bear giving his time and many talents to help those in need. He continuously refused any kind of payment other than the promise to pay it forward when they are able to help someone else in need. Bruce was humble and kind, never met a stranger, loved hard and was passionate and protective of those he loved. Family was everything to Bruce. He enjoyed helping to raise his grandchildren (his pride and joy) and guiding them in their day-to-day life lessons. Bruce had a gift for making his grandchildren feel important, cherished and heard. What they had to say at the moment was the most important thing in the world at that time. They always had his undivided attention, building a tree house, watching cartoons, after school snack runs, riding down the big hill, swinging, singing and the list goes on and on. Bruce enjoyed just being present in the moment up until his last moments spent with them.

Bruce is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Joy Burge of San Antonio; Daughter Kimberly Burge Garrett and husband Brent of Bulverde; Stepson Shane Potts of San Antonio; Grandchildren; Avery Garrett of New Braunfels; Braeden Garrett of Bulverde, Ariel and JR of San Antonio; Brother Clifford Burge and wife Donna of Port Acres; Sister Louise Spear and husband Leonard of Houston; Mother-in-Law Jackie Gutzke of San Antonio and many special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his Father, Arnold Burge; Mother, Lottie Burge and Father-in-Law, Bill Gutzke.

A memorial service will be held at Church of the First Born, 909 FM 1518, Schertz, Texas 78154 beginning at 4:00 p.m. on May 28th, 2021 with a reception immediately following.

Flowers, cards and memorial contributions in Bruce’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Children’s Ministry at Church of the First Born are all welcome. Expressions of sympathy may be made in whichever way(s) you wish, especially prayers for the Family. All are appreciated.