RICHARD GARY BURKE

Funeral for Richard Gary Burke, 78, of Wells, was at 10 a.m. Friday at the Forest Baptist Church. Burial was in Thompson Cemetery.

Mr. Burke died May 28. He was born to Thomas J. Burke and Ethel Griffin Burke Dec. 3,1928 in Jacksonville.

Mr. Burke was a Wells High School and Stephen F. Austin State University graduate. He retired from Abitibi Consolidated. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was member of Forest Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher; a member of the American Legion, and in the past, served as a member of the Wells ISD School Board and Wells City Council. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J. and Ethel Burke; and his brother, S.G. Burke. Survivors include his wife, Gwen Burke of Wells; two sons, Ricky Burke of Forest and Joe Burke of Barsola; three grandchildren, Kristyl and Matt Woodward, of Lufkin and Kimberly Pilkington of Forest; two great-grandchildren, Tim Ryan Pilkington of Forest and Lauren Blair Woodward of Lufkin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Milton and Jean Jordan of Houston; nephews and spouses, Charles and Jeanette Jordan, Brent and Patti Jordan, and Steve and Carol Jordan, all of Houston; as well as a number of great- nieces and nephews; and other family members. Pallbearers were Charles Jordan, Brent Jordan, Steve Jordan, Don Byrd, Ronnie Cartwright and James Bates. Honorary pallbearers include men from Calvary Baptist Church and Forest Baptist Church, Billy Ray Allen and Buck Chapmon. Arrangements were under the direction of O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Home.

June 2008

Information from The Cherokeean Herald