Robert Audist Burge

ROBERT AUDIST BURGE of North Little Rock, Ark., was born on Jan. 21, 1930 to Audist and Ina Lee (Ellis) Burge at Ola, Ark., and entered into rest on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Robert was raised in Yell County, graduating from Ola High School and thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., where he received an award of merit as squad leader. After an honorable discharge, "Bob" entered into a career of construction as a heavy equipment operator and was promoted to job superintendent for several firms. Robert was married to Wanda Jean (Harris) Burge on Oct. 3, 1950. They were the proud parents of two daughters, Bobbie and Barbara. Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife, Wanda, both parents, and two sisters, Ann McDougal and Levonna Behr. He is survived by daughters Bobbie (Bruce) Merrick of North Little Rock, Barbara Kidd of Bryant, and the apple of his eye, his grandson, Andrew Merrick of Jacksonville plus a host of nieces and nephews. The family especially wishes to express our heart felt appreciation to Dr. Mark Rens, Dr. John Colleran, and to the wonderful staff of ICU at Baptist Medical Hospital in North Little Rock. Visitation will be at North Little Rock Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 31, 2011, from 5:30–7 p.m. A graveside service will be on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Arkansas Memorial Gardens, with Bruce Merrick officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundations. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.