Don Burke

Don was the third son of Bryant and Mildred (Cobb, Burke) Alexander. He was born on October 21,1933 in Limestone County six miles east of Mart, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Jonnie Nell (Estes) Burke, his parents, brothers Billy Burke, Thomas Bryant Burke, and sister Virginia (Alexander, Byrd) Reese. He is survived by his sons David Bryant Burke, Shawn Anthony Burke, daughter in law Deirdre Ann O’Donnell of Austin, sister Marilynn Sustala of Waco and many nieces and nephews in Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas.

He enlisted in the US Air Force at 17 where he remained for the next 31 years. Rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant he received the Bronze Star, five Meritorious medals, two Commendation medals and numerous other medals and awards. His service took him to assignments in the Clark Field in the Philippines, RAF Alconbury in England, Kunsan AB Korea, Bien Wha AB and Phan Rang AB in Vietnam. Stateside he served at Lackland AFB Texas, Sheppard AFB Texas, Chanute AFB Illinois, James Connell AFB Texas, Craig AFB Alabama (where he met and married his wife Nell), Homestead AFB Florida, Kirkland AFB New Mexico, Scott AFB Illinois, and Bergstrom AFB Texas. His Air Force career took him all over the US and the world.

After retiring from the Air Force, he attended St Edwards University and Park University. Upon receiving a bachelor’s degree in management/accounting he went to work for the IRS, becoming the manager for the Service Section where he worked for 14 years.

He loved living in South Austin, the Dallas Cowboys, Longhorn football, Cherry Creek Catfish, Dans Hamburgers and the Texican Café. Visitation will take place at Weed Corley Fish on Monday, April 28th from 3-5 pm, with services commencing at 5 pm. The burial will be at Prairie Hill Cemetery on Tuesday,

April 29th at 12 pm in Prairie Hill, TX.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Wounded Warrior Fund in honor of CMSgt Don Burke.