Pastor Ronnie Gene Burks
Pastor Ronnie Gene Burks, Marshfield, was born October 29, 1964 in Lee’s Summit, MO to Ewin and Lillian (Small) Burks. He departed this life on October 30, 2021 in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, at the age of 57.
Ronnie was ordained in 1993 as a Southern Baptist pastor, and began preaching at New Hope Baptist Church. In 1995, he became the pastor for Bethesda Christian Fellowship, and had ministered there ever since. Ronnie loved God and sharing the gospel with others, going door to door, to parades, and wherever he could to spread God’s word.
Ronnie loved and adored his family. He enjoyed shooting guns, hunting, and fishing. He was known for telling “Dad jokes” to his family and friends.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Shelly (Mandella) Burks of the home; nine sons, Jason Burks (Antonia), Willard, Joshua Burks (Tyana), Norwood, Aaron Burks (Jenna) Fair Grove, Daniel Burks (Eve), Springfield, Micah Burks (Sage), Rolla, Nathanael Burks, Springfield, Samuel Burks, Springfield, Benjamin Burks and Ethan Burks, both of the home; five daughters, Joanna Hamp (Quinton), Springfield, Rachel Jett (Steven), Springfield, Jonnah Pursselley (Caleb), Spokane, WA; Leah Burks and Jerusha Burks, both of the home; one brother, Clarence Burks (Kathy Jo), Urich, MO; six sisters, Judy Keltner (Gary), Lee’s Summit, Jane Wilkerson (Cleo), Flippin, AR, Shirley Davis (Howard), Raymore, MO, Barbara Hamilton, Pawnee, OK, Katherine Burks, Chelsea, OK, and Ruthie Moore, Chelsea, OK; and 25 grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021 at Grant Avenue Baptist Church, 1033 N. Grant Ave, Springfield, MO 65802.