STEVEN JAY BURDGE JR.

Steven Jay Burdge Jr., age 39, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021.

Steve finished his fight with grace, honor and steadfast faith with his wife Susan by his side. Steve was diagnosed with cancer of the Ampulla Vater in 2012 and was able to live with various complications of that illness far longer than any doctor thought possible. Steve will be missed by many friends and family, but none will miss him more than his wife Susan Burdge and their children Steven and Megan.

Steve was born in Sterling, Illinois to Steven Jay Burdge Sr. and Rachel Ann (Berg) Burdge on December 30, 1981. Steve loved sports and the thrill of competition.  He was a die-hard Chicago Bears fan.  In high school, Steve played football, wrestled and power-lifted in Winter Park, Florida. Steve's motto was always, "Hard work pays off"!  He continued playing football for Avila University in Kansas City, MO where he earned his bachelor's degree and met his wife Susan.  Steve was in constant motion, tenacious, competitive, and spirited. He always wore his heart on his sleeve.

He used this inspirational personality in his vocation; first as a counselor for children in crisis, and then as a district leader for a national retail company.  Steve's determination, his will to win, and his belief in the importance of developing people, played a crucial role in the success of the company both regionally and nationally. Following the news of his diagnosis in 2012, Steve corralled these traits to become an advocate for people with Pancreatic Cancer (including Ampulla of Vater).  Steve spoke at conferences and fundraisers and shared his story and struggle to bring attention and resources for cancer research.

As the complications of the disease progressed, Steve's stamina and mobility deteriorated. No longer able to work, he devoted his time and passion to studying the Bible in-depth. He really enjoyed sharing his knowledge and the salvation through Christ with others. He was overjoyed when both of his children became baptized believers as well.

After meeting the love of his life, Susan in 2000, he shared the good news of the gospel with her and brought her to Christ through baptism. They were married on February 24 ^th , 2001 at Red Bridge Church of Christ in Kansas City, MO. Throughout their marriage, Steve and Susan grew in love and faith as they became best friends. They have two beloved children who they both adore; Steven Jay Burdge III and Megan Ashley Burdge. Steve was their biggest coach, supporter and fan on the sidelines and in their daily lives. Steven and Megan grew in faith, compassion and love as they navigated the 8-year long battle with their dad's cancer and complications. During his long fight, Susan would emerge as an advocate, caretaker, and protector.

The family would like to thank Drs. Singh, VonHoff, Olson and Sinclair (along with their teams) for their skills, knowledge and compassion. This provided Steve with more time on earth to be with his family. Steve was an amazing father and was blessed with this borrowed time to mentor his children and share in their lives as they became young adults.  Few fathers exhibit the boundless pride that he had for Steven and Megan's character and accomplishments.  Despite the difficulty and complications his condition presented, Steve would still be the loudest fan at Steven's Rockhurst football games or at Megan's Impact Volleyball matches.

Steve leaves behind his loving wife of over nineteen years, Susan Kay Burdge; son, Steven Jay Burdge III; daughter, Megan Ashley Burdge; parents, Steven Jay Burdge Sr. and Rachel Ann Burdge; brother, Henry Jonathan Burdge (Mary Elizabeth); and two sisters, Stephanie Jan Brummerstedt (Erik) and Kimberly Ann Burdge.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at South Point Church of Christ, 101 W. Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, Missouri 64114. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 11:00 a.m. A private family burial will be held at Wills Cemetery in Peculiar, Missouri following the funeral service.

Steve was a strong advocate for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Please consider a donation in Steve's memory to The Seena Magowitz Foundation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family for Steven and Megan's college tuition.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278