Fred Francis Burke Jr.

After moving to Denver for a few years, in 1927 the family relocated to Oklahoma to be near other family members. His childhood was spent in numerous Oklahoma towns as his father looked for work during those hard times. They moved to Pharoah, where he fell in love with a high school classmate, Lillian Maddon, and they married in 1937. Before her death in 2011, they celebrated more than 74 years of marriage.

His entire adult life’s vocation was spent mostly in various Ford automobile service departments and related areas. He began work as a mechanic in Henryetta, Oklahoma, before learning that there were good-paying jobs in Corpus Christi, Texas. However, this move was delayed in January 1944 because he was called to duty by the United States Army and served for two years. While a Staff Sergeant, he was scheduled to deploy from Hawaii to Japan just as World War II ended.

In 1946, he moved Lillian and their three children to Texas, which seemed like another country, as they had never lived so far away from family. That summer he began working for the George Jones Ford dealership in Corpus Christi as a mechanic and was later promoted to service manager. As the business was sold to other owners, he remained as service manager with each succeeding name change until his retirement. He also worked for Mr. Eric Menger’s Oldsmobile dealership for a few years, and with his son’s Sinton Ford dealership, Robert Burke Ford. He was often honored by the Ford Motor Company as one of 100 outstanding parts and service managers.

Fred worked hard his entire life, continuing into his 94th year with various projects around his home. The latest endeavor was using a compressor to paint his 1977 Ford pickup, including an attached camper. This was accomplished during the past summer with help from his son Richard. It was one of his proudest achievements. In earlier years, he and Lillian enjoyed spending the night in their camper on Padre Island and going to their fishing cabin at the old Marker 99 by the Twin Palms in the Laguna Madre.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Lillian, brothers Billy and Kenneth Burke, sister, Ruth Qualls, and his son Robert.

He is survived by his daughter Loretta Jahn (Ludwig) of Corus Christi and son Richard Burke (Julia) of Portland, Texas; daughter-in-law Liz Burke of Round Rock, Texas; grandsons; Ron Jahn of Garland, Texas; John Burke (Crystal) of Hallettsville, Texas; Sam Burke (Whitney) of Austin, Texas; and granddaughter Susan Jahn-Kroll (Bob) of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by four great-grandsons, Chase Jahn, Jared Jahn and Caleb Burke of Austin and Owen Burke of Halletsville.

The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to Nora Molina, caregiver for both Lillian and Fred during their illnesses. Also, to the gentle, compassionate staff at Odyssey Hospice Inpatient Unit we send our appreciation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Heritage Baptist Church, 4444 McArdle Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 13, at the Heritage Baptist Church. Prior to the service, visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 PM.