Robert Lee Burgan, 73, of Louellen, departed this life on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville. Born March 20, 1952 in Holmes Mill, he had lived here all of his life. Robert was a retired coal miner and had worked as a superintendent for several mining operations throughout the area. He believed in the Baptist faith and was a member of the Closplint Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed taking care of his children and grandchildren, working in the garden, ginsenging, picking berries, being self-sufficient and living a lifestyle similar to an American pioneer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Austin Burgan and Lillian Saylor Burgan; three brothers, Russell Burgan, Allen Burgan and James Austin Burgan II; and a son-in-law, Marvin Short.

Survivors include the love of his life, Peggy Burgan, Louellen; 11 children, Lisa Short, Closplint; Mike Burgan and wife, Crystal, Evarts; Betty Jo Burgan, Harlan; Bryan Burgan, Alabama; Russell Burgan, Louisville; Eugene Burgan and wife, Jennifer, Wallins; Kanova Cuykendall, Pennington Gap; Robert Burgan and wife, Roze, Louellen; Bruce Burgan, Evarts; Sonya Burgan, Lexington; and Brittany Ledford; a brother, Darrell Burgan and wife, Louise, Evarts; and three sisters, Pat Wright, Rella Dixon and Lora Kay Kelly. Also surviving is a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Evarts Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 11 am until the funeral hour. Funeral services will begin at 2 pm in the chapel with the Reverend Rob Sage officiating.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert Lee Burgan.