the "oil industry" since 1985, nevertheless Burt
made his contribution to Kansas exploration for
28 years prior to that date.
His birthplace in 1934 was Freeman, South
Dakota. In 1941, the family moved to Newton,
Kansas where Burt's father was employed by the
Santa Fe Railroad. Burt continued his education
at the Lutheran Parochial School and later com-
pleted his secondary education at Newton High
School where he graduated in 1952.
Burt then enrolled in the School of Engineer-
ing at Kansas State University switching later to
Architecture. After injuring his elbow in varsity
football he found that he would not be able to
fully meet the drawing requirements of an Archi-
tect. A college roommate who was enrolled in
geology suggested that he take some courses in
geology. This exposure to geology left him
"hooked" on the science and he graduated in
January 1957 in Physical Science, Geology ma-
jor. He was influenced and impressed by one of
his instructors, Dr. Claude Shenkel whom he felt
was outstanding as an instructor.
While he was in college, Burt played football
and lettered three seasons. The K-State team dur-
ing this period had winning seasons under the tu-
telage and coaching of Bill Meek.
Following graduation, Burt commenced his
professional career with Imperial Oil . Other
KGS members and former KGS members em-
ployed by Imperial were: Chuck Moore, Orlyn
Phelps, Ray Dombaugh, Gordon Keen and Bob
his career that he was "mentored" by Don
Strong. Burt says he learned more in six
months working with Don than he did in four
years of academic studies. He also believes that
he gained knowledge from Dick Hoover and
Bernie Lounsbury, but he also classifies Dick
and Bernie as some of the biggest characters
that he has encountered in his career. From his
experience with these geologists comes his ad-
vice to any young geologist entering the field,
"get a wellsite background and have a good
mentor."
In 1959, Burt spent a brief period in the U. S.
Army at Ft. Leonard Wood taking infantry ba-
sic. Returning to Wichita, he spent the next two
years as a consulting geologist. Burt opened an
office in Wichita in 1962 for Sholom Drilling
and in 1963 he opened a Wichita office for
Louis Kahn of Tulsa.
1963 was the year that Burt married Judy
Dockum. They have a son Bob who lives in
Houston and works for DHL, an express deliv-
ery firm. They also have a daughter, Tracy
Harrrelson. Judy and Burt have three grandchil-
dren.
Burt rejoined the ranks of consultants in
1965 and remained a consultant until 1970. In
1970 in conjunction with Bill Froelich and
Wayne Kirkman, formed Search Drilling Co.
Search Drilling purchased some old production
in Iuka-Carmi and subsequently discovered
some new producing zones in the Lansing-