Robert M. Burke

Robert M. Burke was born April 10, 1950 to James and Martha Burke in Wheeling West Virginia. They later moved to Detroit in 1951. Robert grew into a young man who loved reading and everything science fiction. He was the third of five children and attended Central High School of Detroit and later Michigan State University in East Lansing Michigan. He spent the remainder of his life in the area. Robert was THE big brother that everyone should have had. He was very encouraging and enthusiastic when it came to education. One thing many people may not have known about him was his humorous side. Growing up he was quite the practical joker. He was also a great friend. We never knew him to have a large number of friends, but those who were lucky enough to be called a friend knew that they were special.

Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vernecia. His son James R. Burke III, sisters Jacqueline Jackson and Sharilyn Palmer (Darrell), step sister Jacqueline Fontain, eight nephews, two nieces, great –nephews and nieces and a host of friends who will miss him dearly.

(by Shari Palmer)

Robert (Rob) Marshall Burke died at the age of 67 years of prostate cancer and pneumonia. Robert and I were together for 50 years. He is survived by our son, James and sisters, nephews, nieces and their children.

Robert loved TV and films all his life and he was a great reader. After he retired, he became a big Spartan fan and believed in giving to local charities, particularly the Greater Lansing Food bank.

This spring he drove scenic routes just to look at trees and shrubs in bloom especially forsythia and lilacs. He would email me recipes and remind me to feed the sour dough starter (he loved sour dough bread). He got a kick out of seeing deer and foxes in our back yard, rabbits and woodchucks not so much.

He will be greatly missed,

(by Vernecia Burke, wife)

Robert M. Burke, (Robb), was more than a husband, father, brother, uncle, he was a mentor. Every time Robb was around family, he always shared his wealth of knowledge. Our family respected his intelligence, not because he was a MSU grad but, also because of his love of reading. Robert was self-educated and because of his calm, quiet demeanor, when he would speak, he had a commanding presence that mesmerized all who would be listening; there was never a dull moment.

I know that he had a deep love for his wife. Fifty year relationships are rare nowadays. Though his physical being is gone, his spirit will always touch his wife, son, sisters, nieces and nephews.

(by Thomas K. Burke, nephew)

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., June 9, 2017 with visitation one hour prior at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. 48823.

For those desiring contributions may be made in the memory of Robert to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, P. O. Box 16224, Lansing, MI 48901.

On-line condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.