William Lee Burke

Funeral services for Bill Burke, Sr., 82, of Stillwater are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Reverend Owen Cayton and Reverend Rick Hendricks officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Stillwater.
Bill was born on January 31, 1927 in Valleyview, TX to Clarence and Rubie Burke. He married Evelyn Ruth Bergen on November 15, 1949. He was a faithful member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where he served on the board, also as a Deacon and Elder. He enjoyed taking communion to the nursing homes.
Throughout his adult life, Bill was involved in many activities; including Gideons, Lions Club, Red Dirt Pedalers, and the planning committee for Freewheel, the bicycle ride across Oklahoma. He was a Salvation Army officer; volunteered with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization; and was a charter member of University Nazarene Church and Center. Bill owned Bill & Sons Janitorial Service, Carpet Cleaning, and Duct Cleaning from 1965-2008. Bill passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010 in Stillwater.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Katherine Temple.
Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn of the home; four children, Bill Burke Jr. and wife, Jane of Shawnee, Charles Burke of Stillwater, Elizabeth Burke of Tulsa, and Stephen Burke and wife, Giti of Stillwater; ten grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and many friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church 411 W. Matthews Stillwater, OK 74075 or to the Gideons International PO Box 1535 Stillwater, OK 74076.