Larry graduated from Boone High School in 1957 and married Delores (Dee) Deal in June of 1959. Following graduation Larry worked for Bourne’s Inc. and IDOT in Ames, IA along with being in the IA National Guard. His career changed when he began work with AVCO Finance, transferring with his family with succeeding management transfers to MO, WY, UT and NM. A change in his career while in NM to a regional sales position with BC/BS of New Mexico. After retirement, Larry kept busy selling recreational vehicles in IA, driving public transportation in Astoria, OR and public school buses in Childress, TX.
Early in his life he was an avid fisherman and small game hunter. Larry never met a stranger, always willing to share his life and experiences with others. The Burke family spent many outings camping in the WY wilderness and eventually ended up traveling in their motorhome for over 11 years, finally settling in Mesa, AZ. He loved dancing, playing pinochle & poker with friends and taking care of his “best rescue dog” pal, CoCo.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Vera Carpenter, brother John Burke and sister Shirley Kline and brother-in-law Jack Kline.
He is survived by his wife Dee, daughter Susan Brooks and husband Bill Brooks of Astoria, OR, grandson William Brooks, IV of Forest Grove, OR, sister-in-law Dolores Burke, brother-in-law Larry Helphrey, brother-in-law John Deal and wife Gisela, several nieces, nephews, cousins and their family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Amarillo SPCA, 11901 So. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX 79119
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