BURKE

Robert Donald Burke Sr., 85, of San Marcos, Texas passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his daughter’s residence on March 29, 2021. Robert was born July 12, 1935 in Big Spring, Texas to Russell and Jean Cavnar Burke. He grew up in Odessa and graduated from Odessa High School in 1954. After graduating High School, Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Narsarssuak AFB, Greenland and Fort Custer in Battle Creek Michigan. While at Fort Custer he met Janet Wallace and soon after the couple were engaged. Marriage and five children followed. Robert worked at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek for many years before he and his family moved back to Texas in 1972,

He lived five years in Carlton, Texas where he and his family managed a dairy farm and he and Janet owned the local grocery store. In 1977 they relocated to Tow, Texas where Robert was employed at Llano ISD, he remained in Llano until moving to Stephenville, Texas where he was employed at Harris Methodist Hospital and where he retired. Robert moved to San Marcos in 2009 to be close to his family.

Robert was an all-American baseball player, in 1954 he played baseball for Odessa Bronchos where they won district title and went on to play in the state championship. He also played baseball for the US Air Force. While in Greenland, he was awarded first place honors in baseball and bowling. Robert continued his achievements in sports throughout his life. His trophies could fill a room, from countless “perfect” games in bowling to holes in one on the golf course.

There wasn’t much Robert couldn’t do. He was also an avid outdoorsman; he loved camping, fishing and hunting and he instilled those qualities in his family. He loved playing football and baseball in the yard with his family and being ‘all time quarterback’. He once took his little 7 yr. old niece Nelda Jean, who idolized him to his High School Sweetheart’s dance. As Nelda would tell you, she was the happiest and luckiest 7 yr. old in the world, (although I don’t think his date was too happy). But, that is how he was.

He loved watching his Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He played harmonica and guitar beautifully without ever taking a lesson or reading a note. He lived life to the fullest and was a kid at heart to the end. Robert is survived by his former wife Janet Burke and their children, Robert Burke Jr., of Spring, Andy Burke of The Woodlands, Randy Burke of Temple, Danny Burke of Fischer and Cindy Burke of San Marcos; 14 grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Jean, brother Rusty, sister Betty and infant sister Mary Ellen.

A celebration of life for Robert will be May 1st @2:00 in Tow, Texas at the Hi Line Lake Resort.