Richard Leslie Burson

He was born on July 26, 1949 to Leslie Jr and Mildred (Blackwood) Burson in Wellington, Kansas. The family later moved to Topeka, Kansas where Richard attended elementary school through college. He graduated with honors from both Topeka West High School in 1967 and Washburn University in 1971 with a BS in Chemistry and Math. During summers, he worked in the offices of the headquarters of Santa Fe Railroad where his father had a long career. Richard always enjoyed music, playing clarinet and saxophone in high school and college concert bands, marching bands, jazz bands and was a member of the Topeka Santa Fe Band as a young man. During his youth, he was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Topeka.

Richard married Kathleen (Kathy) Philpott, literally the girl next door, on June 5, 1971 in Topeka Kansas. They first met when they were fourteen years old and became high school and college sweethearts. They began their life together in Columbus, Ohio where Richard had accepted a Teaching Assistantship at The Ohio State University’s Department of Chemistry. Five years later he earned his PhD in Organic Chemistry. He was very proud of his alma mater, always wearing his OSU hat and greeting fellow Buckeyes with an “O-H” or “Go Bucks!”

In 1976 Richard began his 33 year long career as a technical service leader in Research and Development at Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan. He worked in Organic Chemical Research, Analytical Chemistry and later in the certification process for pharmaceuticals. His commitment to chemical research helped improve the daily lives of people around the world. He and Kathy enjoyed raising their family in the beautiful mid-Michigan community. He took an active role in participating in the children’s schools and academics, demonstrating fun science experiments in their classrooms and being a part of PTO. He enthusiastically supported their music, sports and church activities. He was thrilled to make trips all over the state to his daughter’s music concerts and tennis matches, and his son’s sports games. He also coached soccer teams for both children and his son’s baseball and youth ice hockey teams. He retired in March 2009 at which time he and Kathy relocated to southern Arizona and later moved to the Phoenix area to be closer to the children’s families.

He loved life and he had a great appreciation for God’s natural wonders in the great outdoors. Richard and Kathy enjoyed several anniversary trips to Hawaii and numerous road trips across the country. Richard was always a kind, considerate, gentle soul and a loyal and faithful husband, father, grandpa and friend. He was involved in both Presbyterian and Methodist churches throughout this life. He had a brilliant analytical mind and he believed in staying focused, steadfast and working hard at what you love. His grandchildren were the lights of his life.

He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Kathleen; daughter Heather (Keith) Niederer; son Christopher (Stacee) Burson; grandchildren Matthew Niederer, Tye Burson, Jenna Niederer, Paige Burson and Reese Burson; and a sister Margo Burson.

His family is so very grateful for the loving and devoted care he received recently from the staff at Abbington Senior Living/Memory Care in Gilbert AZ and compassionate hospice care.

Richard’s memorial service will be held on April 16, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Church of The Master Presbyterian, 6659 E University Drive, Mesa AZ, with Pastor Ben Seller officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Richard’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or the Church of the Master Presbyterian.

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