Michael Ryan Burke

Michael was born on October 27, 1983, in Columbia, Missouri, to Michael Rex Burke and Erlinda Burke. A lifelong member of the Columbia community, he graduated from Hickman High School in 2002. He went on to attend the University of Missouri, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology - fields that reflected his deep interest in understanding, serving and protecting others.

Michael served as a Force Reconnaissance Marine in the United States Marine Corps, holding the rank of Staff Sergeant, with both active-duty and reserve service. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Following his military service, Michael continued to serve overseas in protective security and medical roles supporting U.S. diplomatic missions in complex and demanding environments. He was also a nationally registered advanced emergency medical technician, providing lifesaving care in some of the world’s most challenging conditions.

From 2014 to 2021, Michael served in Baghdad, Iraq, where he worked as a Medic supporting U.S. diplomatic security operations. Even in challenging environments, his focus remained on caring for people both physically and spiritually.

While stationed in Baghdad, Michael founded Oasis Church, creating a place of worship, refuge and community that grew steadily over the years. Under his leadership, the church flourished, with Easter and Christmas services drawing more than 100 attendees. In January 2020 during a period of heightened security threats, Michael kept the church doors open so people would have a place to pray and worship. He also ensured the church remained open during COVID lockdowns, believing deeply in the importance of spiritual connection during times of fear and uncertainty.

Michael also founded Holy Smokes, a men’s Bible study that became a cornerstone of fellowship and discipleship. After returning to the United States, he continued this work by launching additional Holy Smokes groups in Columbia and Kansas City, Missouri. His ministry extended even further during deployments, including time in the Middle East, where he led a Bible study for contractors and local staff, and baptized seven individuals in the Jordan River.

His calling carried him across the globe. Michael preached and taught in Uganda, the Philippines, Kenya, London and throughout the United States. He was deeply committed to creating lasting impact, helping fund schools and churches in Africa and Asia, including support for fourteen churches in the Philippines. Wherever he went, he believed faith required action, compassion and presence.

A central passion of Michael’s life was the fight against human trafficking. He worked both locally and internationally to protect the vulnerable, a cause that reflected his courage, resolve and deep sense of responsibility to others.

Closer to home, Michael also served his local community as a firefighter with the City of Columbia.

In 2021, Michael joined the Knights Templar, remaining actively engaged in service and leadership grounded in faith and fellowship. He rose to the position of Prior of the St. Louis The Crusader Priory, a role he was scheduled to formally assume in March of this year.

Michael is survived by his mother, Erlinda Burke, of Columbia, Missouri; his stepfather, Jim Kinsley of Columbia, Missouri; his sister, Maria (Eric) Werly of Lenexa, Kansas; his nephew, Jack; his niece, Mila; and his loving extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Rex Burke.

A visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Thomas More Newman Center at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held in April, with details to be announced.

For those asking, in lieu of flowers, we hope to honor Michael’s life and legacy by supporting the causes he cared deeply about.

Donations may be made to Exodus Road, https://theexodusroad.com, an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking, and to C3 Ministries and Mosaic, https://mosaiccalling.org/michael-burke, long-time partners with Ryan serving children in Uganda.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com