Russell R. Burke, age 87, passed away March 23, 2019 in San Antonio, TX. He was born on August 8, 1931 in Lincoln, NE to William & Ida Burke. Russell graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School (San Antonio, TX) in 1949. He was a past member of America Legion Post # 2 and the Lions Club-Bexar County China Grove. Russell was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran and a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He and Betty have been long time members of Northeast Baptist Church in San Antonio but also attended many other churches of different faiths.
Russell was an accountant in the business office at San Antonio Junior College for 25 years. He was also a tax preparer since 1958, and later started Burke Tax Service with his brother John in the mid 1980’s.
He was a quiet, humble, hard-working man who never called a lot of attention to himself. He was a huge fan of Country Music. Russell was quite an adventurer and enjoyed traveling especially to Nashville and Dollywood. If a theme park was around, he was there, especially if a roller coaster or rides were involved. In the last few years, he had fun traveling on the tour bus to Coushatta. When family or friends came to visit, they were treated to a “tour” of San Antonio. He took pride in showing off his city and all its attractions. Russell never met a stranger and loved a good conversation with people of all ages. He loved to fish at the coast, even if he didn’t catch anything; just being out on the water with friends and family was just fine with him. Above all, spending time with his huge extended family made him the happiest.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Jean; daughters, Debbie (Daryl) Gatewood of Aransas Pass, TX, Sharon (Curtis) Wachsmann of Manheim, TX, Pam (David) Gonzalez of San Antonio, TX, Karen (Jim) Villcheck of Kerrville, TX, Cathy (Sam) Gibbs of Georgetown, TX; 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law JoAnn Burke, Iva Mae (Andrew) Haines, Frances Rector, Carolyn (John) Dickinson, Darlene Panza, and Janice Kuhen along with many nieces and nephews whom he adored.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters – Patricia Hubbard, Dolores Wright and brother John Burke.
The Visitation will be 5-9 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Sunset Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2019 at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Russell’s name to Dementia Society of America, Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.
