Kenneth Donald Burke

Kenneth Donald Burke, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on April 10th, 2023, at the age of 85 in Allen, Texas. After a short illness and 36 years of living with the aftereffects of a traumatic brain injury, Ken took his last earthly breath and moved on to his new home in heaven.

Ken was born on August 8, 1937, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Donald and Catherine Bahner Burke. Growing up, Ken spent time with his grandparents on their farm in rural Oklahoma, developing a love for sports, especially football and baseball. He graduated from Northwest Classen High School as a member of the First Knights class of 1956, where he scored the school’s first touchdown and lettered in football and baseball. While at NW Classen, he met the love of his life, Patty Farmer, whom he married in 1958.

After achieving Phi Eta Sigma membership in his freshman year at Oklahoma A&M, Ken transferred to the University of Oklahoma to be near Pat. He was a standout varsity outfielder on the baseball team for four years and led the team in stolen bases. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at OU in 1962. He went on to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., moving around northeastern Oklahoma, Kansas, Lubbock, Texas, and finally settling in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1974 with his wife and three sons, Bennett, Randall, and Barrett.

Throughout his life, Ken was an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Telephone Pioneers of America, and churches wherever he lived. He served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, and Elder Emeritus at Westside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ken also volunteered his time as a baseball coach, YMCA Indian Guide Chief, locksmith, gardener, and clock repairman. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

In 1986, Ken's life changed forever with a traumatic brain injury. However, he never lost his smile, his appetite, or his good humor. He remained a pillar of strength and faith for his family, and his legacy will live on through his wife of 64 years, Pat of Allen, TX, his three sons and their wives, Bennett (Karen Lawson) of Allen, TX, Randall (Elaine Nauman) of Alexandria, VA, Barrett (Cathy Prior) of Wendell, NC, seven grandchildren, Josie, Declan, Andrew, Patrick, Brendan, Allison, and Erica, and two great-grandchildren, Liam and Aspen.

Ken was preceded in death by his mother and father, Catherine and Donald Burke. His family and friends will remember him as a man of struggle, faith, and a legacy that will live on for generations to come. He will be deeply missed.