Robert Vincent "Bob" Burke Sr.

1922 - 2011

June 19, 1922 - Dec 11, 2011

Robert "Bob" Vincent Burke Sr., age 89, died Sunday, December 11th, 2011, at Nexus Hospital, The Woodlands, Texas, following a long courageous bout with cancer.
He was a resident of The Woodlands, TX for the last 10 years. Born June 19th, 1922, the son of William and Mabel Burke, in Alma, Michigan, where he grew up on the family farm and attended Alma High School and Alma College before beginning a forty-three year career in the petroleum industry, first with Mid West Refinery, then Leonard Refinery, which later became part of Total Petroleum, where he was head chemist and then head of sales, retiring July 1st, 1984.
Bob was involved in many community organizations. He was an active member and past president of The Lions Club of Alma, an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Alma, and longtime member of Pine River Country Club where he loved to golf and be with friends, and also served on the board of directors and as past president.
On December 27th, 1941, he married Marilyn Jean Dewey, his wife of 70 years this month, who survives along with their children, Suellen Burke Harrington, and Robert Burke, Jr. with his wife, Jeanne. Also survived by five grandchildren, Marci Harrington, Ryan Harrington, and his wife, Asha, Kaitlyn Harrington, and Matthew Burke, as well as one great grandson, Evan Harrington. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings, William and Norman Burke, and Marjorie Price, and his son-in-law, James Harrington. Bob was a loving and devoted husband and father, a steadfast friend, and passionate golfer.
A memorial service will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, where the Burkes are members, 7801 Bay Branch Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77382, at 11 AM. December 27, 2011.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Attention: Development Office, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486. Checks should indicate "for Dr. Michael Keating's Research," Alma College or your favorite charity.