Robert "Bob" D. Burgan

Robert “Bob” Burgan, 70, of Columbus, Kansas, passed from this life on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Bob was born on August 29, 1955, in Columbus, Kansas, to the union of James and Zelma (Bearden) Burgan. He attended Columbus schools and graduated from Columbus Unified High School in 1973.

After graduation, Bob worked alongside his oldest brother, Jim, in the excavation business. In 1992, Bob opened B-3 Construction. He worked with his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and many

wonderful employees who became family, providing landfill, demolition, and roll-off services to the area.

On November 22, 1975, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Mary Pat Duffin. Together they had three daughters, of whom he was extremely proud. They made their home in Columbus,

where Bob was well known for his loud, unwavering support of his kids, grandkids, and Titan Wrestling.

Bob was an avid sportsman and enjoyed spending time searching for arrowheads. He loved hunting deer, annual dove and pheasant hunts with the guys, and fishing with his lifelong friends,

Bill Mathes and Richard Saia. Bob was involved in local sportsman’s associations and bass clubs. When his daughters were old enough to play sports, Bob spent his summers coaching their

league and travel softball teams. During the winter months, you could bet Bob would be following “the boys” to wrestling matches across the state—but only after making sure they had

a decent breakfast after weigh-in. He was truly their biggest fan. Before grandchildren began to fill their lives, Bob and Mary Pat enjoyed riding their Harley with friends on the weekends. Bob

and his riding group took many trips and made countless memories along the way. Bob never met a stranger. He was known for his willingness to do just about anything he could for anyone

he knew and was often referred to as a “second dad” to many. Bob loved his girls, but nothing made him prouder than being Papa. When his health allowed, he

never missed an opportunity to support his grandkids at ball games, wrestling matches, livestock shows, and even dance performances. Bob was happiest when the gang was all together.

Whether boating with the family at the lake or Sunday swim days that ended with his favorite fried chicken, he loved being surrounded by his kids and grandkids.

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Pat, of the home; daughters Lorie Johnson (Jason), Tracie Newberry (Kory), and Karrie Carter (Donny), all of Columbus; and brother Jon Burgan

(Cheryl) of Weatherford, Texas. Bob leaves behind eight grandchildren: Brayden, Brylie, and Briggs Johnson; Korbyn and Tymber Newberry; and Gracyn, Emersyn, and Kreed Carter.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 12) at Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus. A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday (Feb. 13) at the State Theater Event Center with Tom Fouts officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Scammon, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Columbus Titan Wrestling. These may left at the funeral home or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St, Pittsburg, KS  66762. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.

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