Leaving East Hall, First Baptist Church Arlington, September 29th, 1956.

Today, Bob and Tillie Burgin celebrate 59 years of marriage.  Bob grew up in  the small Texas town of Jewett, located in Leon country, about 1/2 way between Dallas and Houston off of Interstate 45.  the youngest son in a family with seven children, Bob grew up on a farm.

Tillie was the daughter of Erman and Bonnie Lester who hailed originally from Pittsburgh, and New Boston respectively.  Erman started and ran his own gas station after he moved to Arlington in the 1930s, and the family lived and worked in the heart of what has now become Downtown Arlington. Erman ran that station for 45 years. You could always get service with a smile, and he kept bubblegum handy for the kids. The offices of Mission Arlington^® are just one block from the Lester’s old homestead.

Bob and Tillie met, dated, and eventually, got married  in what is now called the “East Hall” of First Baptist Church, named after Henard East, a former, long-time pastor of the church. Bob entered the military in 1958, and was assigned to South Korea for a two year tour. Tillie followed Bob to Korea, living in missionary housing with the Methodists, because she wasn’t allowed on the base.  This experience in the war was part of their story a few years later when God led them back to South Korea as missionaries. By the time this couple (now with their two boys), retired, they had spent seven years in Korea, and ten on staff with the Foreign Mission Board of Southern Baptists.

When their oldest son entered college, the Burgins came home. Bob and Tillie were educators, so they jumped right back in to education in Arlington. There was a growing sense in their own hearts, however, that “if you can do missions in Korea, why can’t we do it in Arlington?” Bob served as a Vice Principal at Gunn Jr. High, then became Principal at Nichols Jr. High, and finally served at Arlington High School.  Then Bob taught and ultimately became the Associate Dean of the school of education for Dallas Baptist University. Tillie worked in various positions with the Arlington Independent School District, including Director of Personnel, and then in 1986, left to start Mission Arlington^®.

Today, Bob and Tillie have been married for 59 years. Their commitment to Christ first has strengthened their love for each other, and through them, they have faithfully served the Lord in this community.  Those of us who love them, near and far, are grateful for their influence in our lives, and for the legacy of faithfulness they are building in our community.

Happy Anniversary Tillie and Bob.  We wish you “many, many more!”