Bobby Burbridge

Bobby Joe Burbridge, age 81, of Madison passed away on Wednesday, March 13th, 2019 at Capitol Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation. He was born on June 5th, 1937 to Walter and Mary Burbridge in Louisville, KY. Bobby Joe came to Madison in the early 1960's where he was a big participant in the protest movement against the Vietnam War. He always enjoyed telling stories of those times.

Bobby Joe was a recovering alcoholic and was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for many years. He took pride in the years of sobriety that also led him to a change in his career path. Before retirement, Bobby Joe worked at Hope Haven and The Chris Farley House as an Alcohol and Drug Case Manager. He loved being able to pass down his knowledge and life experience of addiction and how to follow a Twelve-step program. He helped a lot of people get clean and sober and many times walking down the street people would still come up to him and thank him for what he has done to help.

Bobby Joe is survived by 3 of his children. Trina Protz, Kelly Protz, and Corey (Sarah Smith) Protz, and 10 grandchildren. Kadijah, Naomi, Ta'Niyah, Jordan, Jaycee, Chelsie, Kayla, Jose, Junior, and Jason. He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, the love of his life Nancy Protz, and 1 son.

A celebration of life will be held on March 24th, 2019 at VFW Post #7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI 53716 for friends and family at 12:30 pm-3:00 pm.

The family would like to thank the many people who were involved with our father's care over the years. We will miss your smile, the silly things you would say, and the laughter. You touched many people's lives. On behalf of Bobby Joe...... Yeeeeee Hawwww!!

Cress Funeral Service
3325 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608-249-6666