John Joseph Burke Sr.

Our dear father, John Joseph Burke Sr., passed away shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, and has joined his precious wife, Joyce Marie (Robinson) Burke, who died March 2, 2011. John was born Oct. 9, 1925 in St. Louis, MO, the youngest of four children born to Edward James Burke and Anne Elizabeth (Sugrue) Burke. He grew up in St. Louis and Mobile, AL, then lived in southern Louisiana all his adult life. John attended Tulane University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1947. He was a veteran of the US Navy and US Naval Reserve, serving from 1943 until 1954. John married Joyce on Sept. 5, 1949 in Lake Charles, LA. They had six children during their 61-year marriage: Kathleen A. (John) Kocks, John J. Burke Jr., David R. (Prima) Burke, Mary Joyce (Ken) Smith, Jeri A. Karmazin, and Molly L. Burke. John was the grandfather of eight (Bridget, Heather, Meredith, David, John, Kelly, Savannah, and Allan Michael) and great-grandfather of six (Jacub, Tyler, Brennan, Caroline, Nolan, and Kyle). John was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Robert Joseph Burke, Elizabeth Anne (Burke) Doyle, and Edward James Burke Jr.

During John’s life, he supported his family and his community in many ways. He was employed by Schlumberger in southern Louisiana from 1947 until 1971, and then joined Comet Construction Inc. in Belle Chasse, LA, retiring as vice president in 1985. To Joyce, John was a loving, faithful, and generous husband; he fondly called her “my darling little angel.” For his children, John used his engineering talents to build them tree houses, playgrounds, and go-carts. He was a baseball coach, Boy Scout leader, community advocate, and a knight in shining armor when any of his children needed help. John was a devout Catholic and proud of his Irish heritage. He was an honest, humble man with a strong sense of fair play. John had compassion for the downtrodden; he didn’t believe in handouts, but gave a helping hand to many. He rarely criticized others, but incompetence did try his patience. He had a keen knowledge of history and current events, and he enjoyed discussing politics. John also enjoyed golf, bridge, chess, music, and attending community events. A day at the Fair Grounds to bet on the horses was a special treat for him. Most of all, John absolutely cherished his family. He loved nothing more than gathering with family and friends—simple fare, a little music, and raising a glass of cheer. The family wants to thank all who contributed to John’s happiness. We particularly thank the many caretakers at Jo Ellen Smith Living Center who made John’s last days comfortable. The family is planning a private memorial service for John and Joyce, together again and at peace. Mothe Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.