Wesley Jay Burris of Tulsa, OK, 81 died Monday, July 6, 2015. Wes was born July 6, 1934 in Elk City, Oklahoma to Lawrence Jay and Pearl May Dean (Davis) Burris.

Wes graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK and was a graduate of Tulsa University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. Wes began his professional career as a Field Engineer for Sinclair in Baroil, Wyoming, and worked as a Petroleum Engineer for Sinclair and ARCO in Denver, CO and Tulsa, OK until his retirement from ARCO Petroleum in Tulsa, OK. Wes served as Chairman of the Mid-Continent Chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers 1979 – 1980. In his retirement, Wes was an avid fisherman, international traveler and skier with the Tulsa Ski Club during the winters.

Wes is survived by: his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Bostain) Burris whom he married in 2000; sisters, Margaret Rupp, Stillwater, OK and Thelma Jane Story, Collinsville, OK; son, Jay Burris (wife Kathy) of Covey Trails, Texas; daughter, Deborah Jane Sovereign (husband Mike) of Ada, OK; grandchildren Stephen Karl Burris, Katy, TX; Jessica Jane Sovereign, San Antonio, TX; and Thomas Michael Sovereign, Oklahoma City, OK.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel.

In lieu of Flowers, friends may contribute to: The University of Tulsa; Office of Institutional Advancement; 800 South Tucker Drive; Tulsa, OK 74104-9700


Southlawn Chapel (918) 663-2233