Joseph E. Burks

Joe was a near life-long resident of Carmel. The second of four children, his three sisters have claimed he was the favorite. A claim he never really argued too much. He began his education at the old Clay Center Elementary School, going on to Graduate from Carmel High School in 1964. Starting college at IU Indianapolis, he was (as he loved telling people) “invited to take a break to reconsider his options.” After this, he joined the Navy in 1966, graduating as an “Honor Student” in Radioman School at the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego. Joe went on to serve one tour in Vietnam, stationed on an Assault Support Patrol Boat cruising up and down the Mekong River. After this, he spent two years in Scotland stationed at Machrihanish Airbase. An old RAF airbase so remote that the Navy classified it as “Sea Duty”. He honorably discharged in 1970, having achieved the rank of Radioman Petty Officer 2nd Class. After his discharge from the Navy, Joe spent time in the paint business, working for Foy and Sherwin Williams, before beginning a 30-plus year career as Vice President at Engineered Flooring Inc.

Joe met and married the love of his life, Antonette (Toni) Burkart, in 1976. They honeymooned in Gatlinburg, TN, a trip that became a nearly annual tradition. They loved to travel together both near and far and were always up for an adventure. Sometimes it took them around the world to places like South Korea, France, Germany, and Italy. Sometimes that just meant leaving early to try out a new place for lunch four hours away. He also loved playing games. Whether it was poker at the casino or participating in a bridge club (when he and Toni were far too young to be in a bridge club), he could play for hours.

Joe became a father in 1980 with the birth of his favorite (and only) child, Michael. Joe was a wonderful, loving father. He never missed a soccer game, choir concert, or a Boy Scout award night.

If there is one thing Joe enjoyed more than being a father, it was being a grandfather. Despite being an avid gamer, he swore his grandchildren cheated at Candyland, rarely winning a game himself. He loved collecting can tabs for the kids' school fundraiser. He even made it out to some of their soccer games.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ally and Joan Burks. He is survived by his wife, Toni Burks, son, Michael (Sarah) Burks, grandchildren Joey, Caroline, and Brandon Burks, and sisters Nancy (Rick) Smith, Becky Burks Ayres, and Kit (Joe) Huerkamp.

Viewing will be Friday, May 2nd from 12:00 to 2:00 at Leppert Mortuary in Carmel, IN. Following a brief service at two, entombment will be at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe’s name can be made to the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, 9111 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.