Joan Burgan

Joan Burgan, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026 at the Autumn Trace Assisted Living, in Seymour, Indiana. She was born on January 18, 1934, in Medora, Indiana, the fifth of twelve children of Merle Elvis and Lillie Mae (Durham) Phillips.

Joan was a graduate of Medora High School, and then she moved to New Orleans, Indiana, with a friend, where Joan’s independence shone bright. She spent many days walking to work until she bought herself a car and, through her resilience, taught herself how to drive. On April 27, 1959, Joan was united in marriage to David Lyman Burgan, and they enjoyed 55 wonderful years hand-in-hand until David’s passing. For much of their married life, Joan and David made their home in the Medora area. Later, she relocated to Seymour, driven by her wish to be closer to her cherished grandchildren.

Joan’s greatest calling was as a homemaker, and she poured her heart into everything she did around their home. She delighted in working in her yard, tending to her flowers and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed going to yard sales as well as hosting them, sewing, and playing solitaire.

Her life will be cherished by her devoted son, David Joe Burgan and his wife, Brenda Sue (Webster) of Seymour; her adoring granddaughters: Ashley Murphy and her husband, Joseph of Seymour, and Jennifer Paris and her husband, Jason of Franklin, Indiana; her great-grandchildren, Gavin Murphy, Ian Murphy, and Leo Paris; her loving siblings, Rex Phillips of Seymour, Sue Dixon of Seymour, Randall Phillips of Medora, and Wanda Brock of Medora; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her dear infant daughters, Holly Renae Burgan and Sherry Lynn Burgan; her brothers: Fergus Phillips, Dean Phillips, Larry Phillips, and Travis Phillips; and her sisters: Maxine Reed, Betty Milligan, and Faye Sowers.

Cremation was chosen and no formal services will be held.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.