Thomas Milton Burke

Thomas Milton Burke passed away peacefully on the evening of September 18, 2025, in Houston, Texas at the age of 100. Thomas (or Tom to many) was born on March 13,1925 in Elgin, Texas, the youngest of seven children to Lula Belle and Wade Hampton Burke.

Thomas’s childhood was spent in the community of The Elgin Standard Brick Company where his father was employed. Some of his older siblings went on to work and raise their families in the same community, which provided a stable and loving environment throughout Thomas’ youth. He was blessed to be raised in a strong Christian home, and accepted Christ at a young age. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1942 and briefly enrolled at the University of Texas before answering the call to serve in World War II. He joined the U.S. Navy on March 11, 1943, serving 2 years and 9 months in the South Pacific as an Aviation Ordnanceman, 2nd Class aboard the escort aircraft carrier USS Hoggatt Bay. Battles included The Mariana and Palau Islands, Guam, The Philippines and the last 50 days of the taking of Okinawa. After the war ended, he returned to UT Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Geology in 1949.

While attending school in Austin, a mutual friend introduced Thomas to Mae Dell Anderson, a beautiful Swedish girl from Kenedy, Texas. They were married on May 27, 1950, beginning a 52-year marriage. Most years were spent living in Houston, where they raised their family of three, Steven, John, and Susan. They went on to have eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They loved caring for family, music, dancing, and traveling internationally after retirement.

Thomas’s career spanned 38 years in the oil and gas industry. After early work with Petty Geophysical and a long tenure with independent oilmen including John W. Mecom, he joined Transcontinental Gas Pipeline (Transco) in 1974, retiring in 1987 as Vice President of Exploration, Joint Ventures. His work led to numerous exploration discoveries and global experiences. Between work and pleasure, Thomas traveled to over forty countries across five continents.

A man of exploration, travel, and family, Thomas touched many lives through his professional achievements. He served as a member of the Geology Foundation Advisory Council for the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. He and his brother Ray created an ongoing scholarship and work program for students in the Jackson School.

He was devoted to his family, a faithful follower of Christ and a true patriot of his country. He was most recently a member of Westbury Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon. Outside of work, Thomas enjoyed fishing, hunting and was an avid golfer. But mostly he enjoyed spending time at his beloved farm located just outside Elgin, TX. He was quite the jokester and storyteller, reciting memories of his youth, the war, and his travel experiences to anyone that would listen. He never met a stranger and stayed active well into his mid-90’s.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mae Dell, his parents, and his siblings.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren: son Steven Burke and wife Nancy, their children Justin, Christen Thagard and husband Clint, and Jeremy; son John Burke and wife Sharon, their children Logan and wife Ashley, Reade, Dylan and wife Rachel; daughter Susan Burke Jerden and husband Craig, their children Kelly and Lauren. Additionally, he was blessed with five great-grandchildren, Jaden Thagard, Jaxon Thagard, Bentley Thagard, Kinsley Burke and Rhett Burke.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all his loving caregivers with Executive Care LLC, particularly Sarah Moore and Gladys Jeanty, as well as the community and staff of Parkway Place Senior Living.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, September 26, 2025, at Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00PM at Westbury Baptist Church, 10425 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77096, with a reception following the service.

Thomas will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery on Saturday morning.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westbury Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.