BURGER FAMILY REUNION

Memories of Frank Burger, Senior (1897 – 1963) 

 

On any given day F rank Burger, could be found on his farm in Tyler, Texas, along with his wife Martha, who would be busy in the house tending to the affairs of the day. Martha, was a fantastic cook. Through the mind’s eyes, older family members should remember those pleasant odors rushing out of Martha’s kitchen before meal time. Those ever pleasing aromas always caught the attention of your nasal senses.

 

Proverbs 3 l:10~l2, states: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life”. Martha, was a quiet, shy smiling, loving and supportive wife. She was the stabilizing force and the pillar of strength behind Frank B. He was a successful man, in part; because of Martha’s virtue, wisdom, and support. Despite having nine children her home was kept in immaculate order, with a concerted effort from her daughters. On Washday you’d find certain laundry articles looking white as snow; as experienced by some of the grand-kids; running through her clothes lines of wonderful smelling clothes was not the thing to do!

 

Frank B., was a private person, he’d be out back tending the cows, pigs, chickens, the smokehouse or even the pear or plum orchards. Few people knew how caring he was. Occasionally Frank, had fatherly discussions with his elder son Frank Jr. (Sonny-Boy). Frank, would sometimes tell Sonny-Boy, how rough he had it growing up as a child. Frank, explained how growing up in an unstable environment was certainly tough, and caused him to leave home as a young brat in Calvert TX, at the age of eleven or twelve, to survive on his own. The type of relationship that existed between his mother and father is unclear. Frank’s rough childhood experience caused him to always yearned for a better life for himself The scripture from Psalms 121: 1,2 says “l will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord. . . Some how Frank, new he had to make it. His self-determination, and inner strength allowed him to continue as a boy into manhood battling misfortune, prejudice, and lack of education. Frank, always aspired to be a successful father, and productive citizen in society.

 

People saw good qualities in him and again through a few of his white associates learned the basics of business. He learned to raise livestock, carpentry and the importance of record keeping. Note: Frank was very detailed in maintaining his business ledgers.

 

In 1917, Frank B., lived in Ellis County, City Midlothian, Texas. This is where he and Martha became acquainted with one another. Martha, was born in Honeybend, Texas, to Mr. Phelan McCoy, and Rosie Earl – McCoy, Jul 4, 1904. Frank, and Martha eventually united in marriage on November 22, 1919.

 

In September 1918, Frank was drafted into the United States Army. His military occupational specialty was Cook. Prank was very proud to have served for his country during World War I. Although his tour in the U.S. Army was brief, he served with patriotic allegiance and personal pride. Frank, was discharged honorably, with full veteran’s benefits May 1919, from Camp Bowie Texas.

 

Frank, and Martha, started their family in Midlothian, but later left there to live in Weatherford, Tx, for a brief period. From there Frank and Martha, spent some time in Tarrant County, City of Fort Worth, Tx, before moving his family to Smith County, City of Tyler, Tx, in 1933. In Tyler, Frank became a respected spokesperson in his community. He owned a house, land, and in the I95(J’s, he started a small business (small store & hamburger grill) on the Kilgore Highway, about 22 miles outside of town. He was always whistling a melodious tune, and meditating on his next venture or project for bettering his family’s well-being. Frank, worked hard, and sweat even harder. He would always do his work in those gray striped overalls; wearing the carpenters utility apron, for measuring tape, nails, etc.. Don’t forget the bus drivers cap he’d always wear sitting slightly tilted on his head. Frank, acquired the nickname “Horse” from his friends, because of his ‘Hard Work Ethics.” Frank, was a self-taught Barber who would out hair for his boys, and grand-kids. He also earned money from Barbering/Shaving, for the neighborhood. Some family members may remember “Black Molly”, a modified razor-strap. Frank, “did not spare the rod”, he’d use the strap to discipline his children. Frank, was also a self-taught musician – he played the Accordion instrument. An avid baseball fan, he loved talking the sport with his friends; undoubtedly about the great New York Yankees ball club of the 50’s and 60’s.

 

Around 1955, the family store, and hamburger grill went out of business. Frank, later went to work as the school custodian, maintenance man, and bus driver, for Jackson High School, located half-a-mile west from the Burger Family home-site. Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver and gold”. Frank Burger’s loyalty, and dedication to his responsibilities earned him love and admiration from all the school administrators at Jackson High. Mr. Burger, was well known and respected for his Godly values, and moral character.

Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. Frank enjoyed life with his family, he loved preparing for church on Sundays and walking around the bend to the church (Gee Memorial Church of God in Christ) gave him great joy! Frank, Martha and the children were all active in the church. Frank served as a Deacon and Frequently visited the sick; he also enjoyed talking to neighbors about the Lord. Martha, was always gentle, quiet spirit that loved God. her faith, and reverence to God, compelled her to pray through the hardships of farm life. Frank and Martha taught their children to reverence and respect God under the precepts of holiness.

 

In 1961, Frank Burger, contracted cancer as a result of his work at the school. Family members report that his handling of certain industrial chemicals eventually took their toll on his life. He suffered with the disease (some form of blood cancer) for about two or three years before the illness made his body fragile and frail. Frank Burger, Sr. died at the age of 65, in August 1963. his death occurred just a few months before the death of his favorite U.S. President John F. Kennedy, on November 23,1963.