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A memorial service for John F. Burke, of Lamkin, TX, was held at 11 am on Saturday, June 14, 2025, located at 1115 Timbercreek Drive, Stephenville, TX 76401.
John died at his home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Born November 19, 1945, in Dekalb, Illinois, John was the son of Thomas Sr. and Lucille Burke. As a child, John moved with his family to Waterloo, Iowa, and attended schools there, graduating from West High School in 1963. John enrolled at Iowa State University but then moved to Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, completing his degree in American Humanics in 1969.
On January 30, 1969, John married the love of his life Barbara BeVier.
Upon leaving college, John was given a job in Farmers Branch, Texas, where he and Barbara built a beautiful life together and remained until his retirement in 2004, leaving Farmers Branch as City Manager and retiring to Lamkin, Texas. During his tenure, Farmers Branch became known as the City in a Park. To honor all of John’s hard work, the City of Farmers Branch celebrated the dedication of the John F. Burke Nature Preserve in 2011.
John was a lifelong participant in scouting activities earning the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He continued his scouting activities with his sons. Through his participation in scouting volunteerism he earned the Silver Beaver Award from national scouting.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Leo Burke Sr. and Lucille Mossiman Burke, his older brother Thomas Leo Burke Jr. and his great granddaughter Bynnett Indiana Wrynn Marquez.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Barbara BeVier Burke, their children Andrew Burke, Daniel Burke and his wife Danette, his brothers Michael Burke, Joseph Burke and his sister Maryanne McCoy. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Mariyah, Wesley, Jackson, Nadine and Jonathan.
John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations to be made to the first responders who helped the family during this difficult time. Donations can be sent to Proctor VFD, Attention: Melinda Johnson, PO Box 877, Proctor, TX 76468
