Martin Richard Burke

Martin Richard Burke, age 94, passed away peacefully, Friday February 9, 2013 at his home in Saint Clair Shores Michigan. Martin was born December 6, 1918 in Stoddard County, Missouri to Richard and Leona (nee Rose) Burke. He is predeceased by his siblings, Ruby Myers, Bessie Bradshaw and Sarah Ponkey. On March 4, 1942, Martin joined the US Army Air Corp at Fort Custer, Michigan. He joined the 40th Air Service Squadron as an Airplane Electrical Mechanic. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign in New Guinea, Guadalcanal, and Northern Solomon Islands. After completing his tour of duty he received an honorable discharge on November 28, 1945. He was awarded the Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 3 bronze battle stars, 6 overseas service bars, a service stripe and the Good Conduct Medal for his service to his country. Upon leaving the military he returned to Detroit where he met and married Esther Kopczyk on August 31, 1948. Martin worked and retired as a Machine Mechanic for Hostess Bakery in Detroit. Martin and his wife lived for several years in Detroit, and eventually settled to their present home in St Clair Shores. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Esther (nee: Kopczyk), his children; Leona (Richard) Garska, Maureen Weller, Marilyn Pardee, Daniel (Diane) Burke and Kathy (William) Nicholls. Also surviving are his sister-in-law Wanda (Lewis) Wallock, 23 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visitation for Mr. Burke will be held February 12th from 2-6 pm, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile). Funeral Services will be held Tuesday 5pm at the funeral home with Reverend Chris Blankenship of The Tabernacle Church of God in Warren officiating. Interment will take place on Wednesday February 13th at Cadillac Memorial Gardens in Clinton Township. Please share memories of Martin at his guest book.