Official Obituary of
Howard Arthur Burger
May 12, 1935 ~ September 14, 2026 (age 91) 91 Years Old
Howard Burger Obituary
Howard Burger, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by dedication to his family, his career, his community, and his country.
Howard was born on May 12, 1935, in Grant County, Oklahoma, to Arthur Franklin and Madeline Ruth Hardin Burger. He grew up on a farm in Sumner County, Kansas, where he developed the strong work ethic and enduring values that would guide him throughout his life.
He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in Belle Plaine, Kansas, in 1953 and continued his education at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, graduating in 1957. While attending college, Howard was an R.O.T.C. graduate and began his military career in the United States Army Reserve. He proudly served with the 98th Division and attained the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged in 1973.
Following his graduation from college, Howard moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1957. He initially worked for International Harvester and later for Crager Ford Tractor. In December 1966, he began a long and distinguished career with American Airlines, where he remained until his retirement in May 1997.
On August 15, 1964, Howard married the love of his life, Madelyn Jean Hendley, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, and service.
Howard was an active and devoted member of Memorial Park Christian Church in Tulsa from 1981 until 1997. After retiring, he and Madelyn moved to Los Lunas, New Mexico, in June 1997. He continued his commitment to his faith and community as an active member of Belen Christian Church from 1997 until his passing.
Howard will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Madelyn Jean Birger; his son, Owen Franklin Burger of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his sister, Della Ann Rhoades of Maryville, Missouri; and his brother, Warren Joe Burger of Houston, Texas. He also leaves behind extended family members and dear friends who will cherish the memories they shared with him.
Howard lived a life defined by devotion—to his family, his faith, his country, and his work. His legacy of service, perseverance, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
May he rest in peace, surrounded by the eternal promise of his faith and the love of those whose lives he touched.
A memorial service for Howard will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:30 am, at Belen Christian Church.
Howard's arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com
Howard was born on May 12, 1935, in Grant County, Oklahoma, to Arthur Franklin and Madeline Ruth Hardin Burger. He grew up on a farm in Sumner County, Kansas, where he developed the strong work ethic and enduring values that would guide him throughout his life.
He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in Belle Plaine, Kansas, in 1953 and continued his education at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, graduating in 1957. While attending college, Howard was an R.O.T.C. graduate and began his military career in the United States Army Reserve. He proudly served with the 98th Division and attained the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged in 1973.
Following his graduation from college, Howard moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1957. He initially worked for International Harvester and later for Crager Ford Tractor. In December 1966, he began a long and distinguished career with American Airlines, where he remained until his retirement in May 1997.
On August 15, 1964, Howard married the love of his life, Madelyn Jean Hendley, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, and service.
Howard was an active and devoted member of Memorial Park Christian Church in Tulsa from 1981 until 1997. After retiring, he and Madelyn moved to Los Lunas, New Mexico, in June 1997. He continued his commitment to his faith and community as an active member of Belen Christian Church from 1997 until his passing.
Howard will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Madelyn Jean Birger; his son, Owen Franklin Burger of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his sister, Della Ann Rhoades of Maryville, Missouri; and his brother, Warren Joe Burger of Houston, Texas. He also leaves behind extended family members and dear friends who will cherish the memories they shared with him.
Howard lived a life defined by devotion—to his family, his faith, his country, and his work. His legacy of service, perseverance, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
May he rest in peace, surrounded by the eternal promise of his faith and the love of those whose lives he touched.
A memorial service for Howard will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:30 am, at Belen Christian Church.
Howard's arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com
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