William R. "Bill" Burke

William R. “Bill” Burke, born 28 March 1921 entered into rest 22 May 2012. Bill was born in San Antonio to the late Dora and Archie Burke. He was preceded in death by his brother, Archie Burke, Jr. and sister, Helen Burke Nelson.

Bill started dating the former Vivian Marjorie “Marge” Young while he was a student at San Antonio Vocational & Technical High School (Fox Tech); she went to Breckenridge. They would meet downtown everyday after school. Their union of 57 years ended upon her death in 1999.

Bill started working at a very early age, shining shoes for the troops at Ft. Sam. He entered the Navy 14 January 1942 and became a Boatswain’s mate on the USS Idaho (BB-42). He and Marge attended the Idaho’s reunions faithfully. August 2006, Bill went to Nashville to celebrate “The Big Spud’s” final reunion. His years with Otis Elevators provided him the opportunity to work at the Lone Star Brewery and the Majestic Theater. He retired from civil service at what was then USAF Security Services, Kelly AFB.

Mr. Burke is survived by nephews Robert Burke (Kim), Helena, MT; Robert Howe, Jr. (Beverly), Hockley, TX and Thomas Howe (Donna), San Antonio, TX; Great nieces and nephews Timothy Burke, Nina Westcott, Dawn Taylor, Michelle Manimtin Larscheid, Sarah Howe and Tommy Howe; Brother-in-law Robert Howe, Sr., Magnolia Beach, TX and numerous great-great-great nieces and nephews, many wonderful friends and fabulous neighbors.

Bill considered Helen & Butch Burnette, New Braunfels, TX, and the associates at the Outback Steakhouse on San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX his extended family.

Special thanks to Frank M. Tejeda Veterans Home, Floresville, TX; especially the staff and residents of D-Hall.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon, Monday, 28 May 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with the The Reverend Dr. Harold G. Sassman officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or to either of Bill’s favorites – Veterans of Foreign Wars, Frantzen-Ahrens Post 7105, PO Box 952, Fredericksburg, TX 78624-0952 or The Pacific War Museum, 328 E. Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

To offer condolences or share memories of Bill go to www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com