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Richard Burke Obituary
January 3, 1937 - September 6, 2024
Richard "Dick" H. Burke, age 87, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on September 6, 2024. He was born in Orient, Ohio on January 3, 1937 to the late Homer J. and Pearl (Cooper) Burke Sr. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Betty Goudy, Homer Burke, Jr., Donald Burke, Ray Burke, Eva Killilea, Edwin Burke, James Burke, Mary Ann Mefford, and Ralph Burke.
Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty. His children Vickie Anderson, Rick (Julie) Burke. Sister Pat Burke, brother Bill (Wanda) Burke, several nieces, and nephews.
Known as Poppy, he is also survived by his loving grandchildren Ashlee (Cody) Weber, Courtney (Brendan) Ward, Rachel (Derek) Seppeler, and Lauren (Cole) Gibson. Great grandchildren Caroline and Benton Ward, Libby Gibson, Lillian and Henry Seppeler.
Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who loved his family and friends very much.
He was very proud of his service to the Ohio Air National Guard 166th Fighter Squadron, Lockbourne, Ohio, serving from 1955-1961. He devoted 35 years of his life to the Post Office working his way up from postal carrier to branch manager to Postmaster of the London, Ohio post office.
Dick and his wife Betty spent 64 wonderful years together. They enjoyed wintering in Fort Myers Beach for many years, watching Jeopardy, building homecoming floats with the Westland High School Class of 1982, taking out the pontoon on Lake Choctaw, watching Rick play basketball and baseball, doing craft shows together, and just sitting together in their recliners enjoying every minute together.
In his spare time you would find him working in his wood shop, helping out someone in need, or at the ball field or gym following one of the kids in their athletic events.
Memorial service will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Columbia Heights United Methodist Church, 775 Galloway Road, Galloway, Ohio 43119. Visitation will begin two hours prior to service at 10 AM.
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Maxine Robey
October 11, 2024
Dick was always there to greet us at church with a great smile. Always a joy to see him and a great warm personality. My condolences to the family and friends.
Donna Teal
October 9, 2024
He was a very nice man to visit with. I remember when they would come down to Texas to visit Vickie and the girls.
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Carol Pizor
September 27, 2024
Loved this man. wonderful neighbor with a great sense of humor.
Joan Snyder
September 23, 2024
Sadly, I never met Richard, but I know his wonderful wife Betty. Thank you for all the years at Westland´s English Department, where you made everything run so smoothly. You were so kind and supportive... everyone loved and admired you.
I am so sorry that you have lost your soul mate, Betty, but I rejoice in the number of happy years you had together!
I will be praying for your heart
With love,
Joan Weeman Snyder
Denise Townsend
September 15, 2024
Dick always had a smile on his face we loved seeing him as the Grand Marshall in the Lincoln Village Parade this summer so well deserved! Rest in Peace
Greg Burke
September 15, 2024
Always enjoyed Uncle Dick´s smile...I remember my Dad, Homer, would smile and shake his head at Dick´s comments...Dick was a favorite of Homer´s and mine as well...Rest in peace Uncle Dick !
Tom Burke
September 15, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I will always remember 2 things about uncle Dick....all the fun at family reunions and the Easter baskets!!!!
Robert Jordan
September 15, 2024
I had the honor of driving with Dick in the 2024 Westside parade, he was beaming with everyone say hello Mr. Burke. He was curious how everyone knew his name, it was such an honor.
Cheryl Brooks
September 15, 2024
Dick was always smiling. We loved him so much. I´ll miss hearing him "hoo de hoot" across the driveway. He´ll always be remembered by Bob and me as a friend.
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