Thomas Joseph Burke, 94, passed away at his home and joined his wife Shirley in heaven on Thursday, August 25, 2022. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky to John Michael and Mary Esther Burke on March 8, 1928. Tom married his sweetheart Shirley Gardner on May 1, 1954. Tom was a lifetime member of St. Rita Catholic Church. He and his siblings attended school there and received their sacraments. Tom was dedicated to his church and made it his second home. He was a former lector, usher, and member of the choir. The St. Rita community was steadfast in their support for him and his family, especially after Shirley suddenly died in 1991 at the age of 56. Tom was the first honorary lifetime member of the Booster Club. He served as softball athletic director, coaching softball over 20 years, maintaining the softball fields, managing the beer garden at the picnic, and various plumbing work including design and installation at the gym. Tom was proud and humbled to have the sports complex named in his honor. Tom’s daughters, his son-in-law Steve, seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons attended St. Rita School. His great-grandson, Blake, is currently a student at St. Rita.
Tom graduated from St. Mary’s College (high school) and in 1948, Tom began his service in the US Navy: 4 years reserves and 2 years active duty during the Korean War. He served on the USS Coral Sea and oversaw plumbing maintenance on the USS Boyd and USS Lofberg as a petty officer third class. Tom, like his father and grandfather, spent his work career as a master plumber until retirement. Tom’s grandfather was the first master plumber in Kentucky, license #1. Tom was a lifetime member of the Plumbers & Fitters Local 502, VFW 8639 Okolona, and was a Kentucky Colonel.
Tom enjoyed the game of golf frequently with his brothers and several friends. Once a year they went to Park Mammoth for a weekend tournament. Tom had a hole-in-one twice in his lifetime. He had so many endearing friends and they shared good times and laughter.
Left to cherish his memory are daughters Shannon (Mike) Christian, Christi (Steve) Sivori, Cindi (Mike) Miller, Denise (Brian) Payne and Julie (Dan) Strieter. He is also survived by grandchildren; Erin (Kelly), John, Adam C (Maria), April (Brent), Christopher (Jacqueline), Adam M (Allison), Casey, Alex (Ruby), Devin (Dan), Maddie, Leah (Miles), and Emma; great-grandchildren; Ben, Wyatt, Adalea, Brenden, Blake, Kamryn, Jake, Ryan, Lucy, Jackson, Ruby, Melanie, Sofia, Albert, and Lawrence; siblings, Jerry (Mary Ann) and Sister Elaine and his sisters-in-law, Dodie and Colleen.
Tom is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, and infants, daughter Rita Ann and grandson Michael Allen. He is also preceded in death by siblings, Laverne (Jim), Bill, Jim (Mary Ann), Agnes Juanita, Al (Margaret), Juanita, Tony, and Dale (Francis).
Tom was steadfast in his faith based on his Catholic upbringing and placed his trust in the will of God. Visitation will be Saturday, September 3 at Arch L. Heady & Sons Funeral Home in Okolona from 1 pm until 8 pm. A funeral mass at St. Rita Catholic Church will be Monday, September 5 at 10 am. with reception immediately to follow. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday, September 6 at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to St. Rita Catholic Church 8709 Preston Hwy, 40219. You are welcome to choose your designation to the church, school or Booster Club. You can also choose to donate to Tunnels to Towers. Online: T2T.org. Make your donation in memory of Thomas Burke, US Navy.
