William James Burke Jr.

On Nov 7, 2022 William James Burke jr. passed away at 65 years of age was born on July 6, 1957 to William and Ina Burke. Living are his two sons Alexander Burke and Matthew Bartlett, sisters Deena Thomas of Illinois, Amy Mitchel of Virginia, Robin Walker of Illinois and nephew Brian Thomas and his children.
Born in Decatur Illinois. William left his parents when he was 16, to join the Army. In 1974, he saw Italy under the 1st battalion 508 parachute infantry regiment "Red Devils" and likely picked up his long standing itch to travel. Living in California he found his forthright attitude, and eventually moved to Phoenix, AZ earning a bachelors in Computer Information Systems at DeVry attending Epsilon Delta Pi. Settling in Arizona for over 7 years, gaining the nickname "wild bill", and where his respect and love for the land stayed with him.
Returning to Illinois he had his first son Alex, in 1997 and then in Oklahoma another son Matthew, in 2003 was born. Having a family he settled in Oklahoma surrounded by supportive friends for 24 years. Volunteering with Churches and Boy Scouts, his community helping him through his cancer diagnosis and beating it. His hobbies were insatiable. Collecting stone minerals, turquoise became one of his favorites. He liked science fiction shows and would use episodes as a treat for his studying in school. Eventually he found his lifelong career in programming and took to it like a fish to water.
In 2011 he helped with tornado cleanup, ushered for several years with LifeChurch and became a volunteer member for the Last Frontier Committee gaining the nickname 'Mr. BB' as a shooting range instructor. His generosity and willingness makes him one in a million – he will be truly missed.