Joe Dean Burroughs, age 79, of O'Fallon, Ill., born June 29, 1937 in West Plains, Mo., passed away Wednesday September, 7, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Joe was a graduate of Assumption High School, East St. Louis. He earned his B.S. in Math & Physics from SIUE and a Masters in Environmental Engineering from Washington University. He was also a veteran of the Air Force and Missouri Air National Guard serving in Europe during the Berlin Crisis.

Joe was an integral part of Boy Scout Troop 94 serving in various roles for over 20 yrs. This enduring support earned him various prestigious adult awards, Silver Beaver, Bronze Pelican, and St George Award. He was a long time faithful parishioner at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church where he was active in several ministries including Eucharistic Minister and serving as the first president of the St. Clare Seniors. Joe also dedicated service as a school board member at St. Clare Catholic School. Joe was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 4239 where he was a Fourth Degree Knight, Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator, and past District Deputy.

Surviving are his wife Mary Anne, nee Tonies, Burroughs, whom he married December 26, 1960; seven children Christopher (Pat) Burroughs, Steven Burroughs, Michael (Terri) Burroughs, Mary Beth Henson (Ty), David (Riann) Burroughs, Matthew Burroughs, and Joanne (Chad) Reno.

Also surviving are his grandchildren Megan, Anthony, Joel, Gillian, Randi, Rachel, Donovan, Cody, Braden, Asher, Lincoln, Roarke, Logan, Dylan, Alexander, and Gabriel.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Olive, nee Durbin, Burroughs; and brothers Roy and Larry.

The family requests that donations, in lieu of flowers and other gifts, be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society or Mercy Home for Boys & Girls.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00pm Friday, September 9, 2016 at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 1411 Cross Street, Shiloh.

The Knights of Columbus will conduct a Chalice Service at 6:00 pm, Friday, at the church.

The Seniors of St. Clare Church will conduct a walk-through at 7:30 pm, Friday, at the church.

Visitation will continue Saturday at 9:00 a.m. until mass begins.

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the church with Rev. James Deiters presiding. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.