Longtime Shattuck resident, Leland Lavere Burge, passed from this life on April 26, 2009 with his wife at his side. Lavere was born June 11, 1918 on the family farm near the Cimarron River west of Hennessey, Oklahoma. He was the second boy and the third child born to Buford and Ora (Macy) Burge. Lavere grew up in the Hennessey area and attended local schools through the eighth grade.

On June 2, 1940 Lavere was united in marriage to Miss Winnie Craig at Hennessey, Oklahoma where they made their home for a time. They joyfully welcomed the birth of their three children; Jerry Ray, Kay Sue, and Jim. The family made their home primarily in Oklahoma living in Dover, Okeene, and Kingfisher, as well as Shattuck, but also lived for a time in Buchanan, Michigan and Olathe, Kansas.

During World War II he worked as a carpenter's helper building a munitions plant in Kansas. Lavere's lifetime career was spent as an Auto Technician working for Sandusky Chevrolet in Kingfisher and Vincent Chevrolet in Shattuck. After retiring from Vincent Chevrolet he ran his own repair shop for 12 years.

On October 24, 1954 Lavere accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized. He was a faithful member, and Deacon, of the First Baptist Church of Shattuck. Lavere happily served as a Sunday school teacher, bus driver, R.A. teacher, Sunday school director, and usher as well as participating in several pulpit committees.

Lavere enjoyed spending his leisure time fishing, hunting, or working in his garden.

Lavere was preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Ora Burge; son, Jerry Ray Burge; brothers, Emerson, Clifford, and Benny Burge; sisters, Atha Mott, Wilma Shaw, and Hazel Burge; father and mother-in-law, Mason and Mary Craig; brother-in-law, Virgil Craig; sisters-in-law, Barbara Craig and Mazie Craig.

Those remaining are his beloved wife of 68 years, Winnie; daughter, Kay Carnagey and husband Billy; son, Jim Burge and wife Debbie; sister, Marie "Tootsie" Henry; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other family members and a lifetime of friends.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice.