Harris Ira Burke

Burke, Harris Ira, age 93, passed away on December 20, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Lou Ann Burke, two sons, Richard (Evie) of Wichita, KS and James (Sharon) of Oxford, MS., and two daughters, Donna (Thom) Sutter of New Babylon, NY, and Sandra Chenault of Santee, CA. Harris had six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Fern Jones of Olathe, KS and Daisy Pettyjohn of Holton, KS. Harris was born on December 20, 1918 in Adams, NE. Harris was the oldest son of eight children born to Ira C. and Nelli May Burke. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Walter Elza and Clarence, and three sisters, Marie Darby, Mae Wade, and Ruth. After the eighth grade, Harris went to work to help support his father’s family during the great depression. He worked in construction and for General Motors for over 32 years. After retirement, he did volunteer work for the American Red Cross, Blood Donation Unit, for over twenty years along with his wife, Lou Ann. The defining hallmarks of Harris’ life is responsibility and faithfulness. Harris always had a great sense of responsibility toward his God and his family, and lived a life of faithfulness towards both. Memorial Service is scheduled for 3:00 PM Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Resthaven Mortuary. In Lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Rivercross Hospice 251 S. Whittier St. Wichita, KS 67207.