Lawrence Vincent Burgess, 93, died Wednesday, February 18, 2016, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 24, 1922, in Barronett, WI, the son of Chester A. and Anna Mary (Mlynek) Burgess. He was a 1941 graduate of Logan High School, La Crosse, WI. Lawrence served as a 2nd lieutenant with the Army Air Corps during World War II.

A Hutchinson resident since 1947, Lawrence built the R-B Drive-In 1948, and owned the restaurant until selling it to his daughter, Pamela Wheeler, in 1984.

On January 23, 1943, he married Dorothy Pauline Ellis, in Topeka. She died April 19, 1992.

Survivors include: daughter, Pamela Wheeler and husband Charles of Hutchinson; sons, Bradley Burgess of Great Falls, MT, Dudley Burgess and wife Karen of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Darin Burgess and Charles Wheeler, both of Hutchinson, Michael Burgess of Livingston, MT, Sarah Morton of Colorado Springs, CO; seven great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Cremation has taken place. A private service will be held at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka, with burial next to his wife, Dorothy. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.