Walter William Burke

1996 - 2022

Walter William Burke
1996-2022
Walter William Burke, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend to all, passed away on Friday, the 21st of January 2022. Walter was born on the 19th of January 1996, in Houston, Texas. He attended The Kinkaid School, Spring Branch Middle School, Episcopal High School and Loyola University New Orleans. Walter also lived in Santa Monica and Malibu, California where he founded his company Safe Smart Recruiting and made many wonderful friends.
From an early age, Walter was able to connect with people in a unique way. His tender heart and sensitive spirit made him a joy to know, and Walter loved so deeply that most of the friends he made were for life. He made everyone feel special by taking the time to invest in his friendships and people naturally gravitated towards him because of his lighthearted sense of humor and his beautiful soul that touched so many lives. Walter would light up a room with his contagious smile and passion for good times. He was a gift to all that knew and loved him and he will live forever in our hearts.
Walter lived an adventurous life and loved traveling. His favorite times were spent with his childhood friends from Riverbend, summers at Camp Longhorn, playing baseball at Post Oak Little league, and golf, fishing and other activities at Houston Country Club and Port O' Conner. His love of animals is legendary, especially for Ringo his Siberian husky.
At the age of twelve, Walter decided he wanted to become a Christian and he invited Jesus Christ to come into his heart through his confirmation at St Martins. Walter embodied so many wonderful friendships through his charismatic personality, his mercy and love of others, his ability to make everyone feel accepted and the joy he brought to the lives around him.
Walter was musically gifted without having any formal training. He could play any instrument including the acoustic and electric guitars, piano, and tambourine. During his college years in New Orleans, he was the founder and lead singer of his band The Chopped Up Tulips. They went on to record two albums: Tulips in Bloom and The European Coffee Shop. With his beautiful voice he could harmonize and put on a show like no other. Through his music, he was able to share his creativity and unique perspective of the world.
We, as his family, rejoice knowing he is with Jesus, wrapped in the beauty of heaven and the peace that passes all understanding. We are grateful for Walter's beautiful life and all the memories that we will cherish and continue to share.
Walter was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Sandra Joy Hunt; paternal grandfather, Thomas Walker Burke. Walter is survived by his beloved parents, Dana and Walter Thomas Burke; sister Caroline Burke Mossy and husband, Travis; brother Thomas Walker Burke III and fiancé Margaret; and nephew John "Hunt" Mossy. He is also survived by paternal grandmother Patricia Hughs Burke and maternal grandfather Thomas Ney Hunt II; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and Ringo, the love of his life.
The memorial service is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday the 10th of February, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, in Houston, where The Rev. Martin J. Bastion, Vice Rector and The Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr., Rector are to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall to honor and celebrate Walter's life.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed toward St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056; or the charity of one's choice.
Please visit Walter's online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com, where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.