Donald Harlow Burke

Donald H. Burke, age 83, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed peacefully into eternal rest on July 23, 2025. Born in Ellison, Virginia, on September 14, 1941, Don lived a life rich with faith, family, and fearless adventure.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Don is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl (Householder) Burke; his son, Brian Burke; and daughter, Leslie Burke. He was a proud and joyful grandfather to Meredith, Bear, Noah, Abigail, and Ellie.

He also leaves behind his siblings—Delta (Burke) Bean, Wanda (Burke) Scaggs, Joyce Anne Burke, Martha (Burke) Coleman, John Burke, Ted Burke, and Mike Burke—as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Oy (Ling) Burke; his parents, Martin and Enise Burke; sister Marilyn (Burke) Jordan; and brother Howard Burke.

Don was a man of action, heart, and vision. Alongside his brother, he co-founded Burke Brothers, a heating and air-conditioning company in Gloucester, Virginia. What began as a family venture became a springboard—each brother launching into success in other industries and businesses. A natural entrepreneur, Don had the heart of a builder and the soul of a pioneer. Like his father, he was a consummate salesman—always looking forward, always believing the best days were still ahead.

He spent many years in the great state of Alaska, where he not only built businesses but also built bridges for others. One brother described Don as a “rite of passage,” a guide who led others toward adventure and purpose. His gentle demeanor, signature hug, and unforgettable smile left a lasting mark wherever he went.

Don also had a big heart—one that quietly reached out to lift others. When his nephew Jim, born with a rare neuromuscular disease, needed a motorized wheelchair to fully participate in high school, Don purchased it without hesitation. It was one of many unseen acts of compassion that defined the way he loved: deeply, practically, and without need for recognition.

Receiving of friends and family will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM with a funeral service to follow to honor Don’s life at 4:00 PM at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. (865) 588-0567

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Don’s memory to:

Ladies of Charity Emergency Assistance

120 W. Baxter Avenue

Knoxville, TN 37917

(865) 247-5790

[email protected]

Lift Disability Network

611 Business Park Blvd. Suite 105

Winter Garden, FL 34787

(407) 228-8343

https://liftdisability.net/donate/