Kenneth Alan Burke

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Becky) Burke, daughter Grace Brown, and granddaughter Anna Baio. Brothers Ron Burke (Debbie), John Burke (Jansen), Steven Burke, and sister Patty Vassallo as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ken was preceded in death by his father Carroll Burke (2017), mother Jessica (Billie) Covington (1997), and brother Glenn Burke (1984).

Ken held a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida Technical University (UCF).

He graduated from the United States Fire Administration National Fire Academy with the title of Executive Fire Officer in 2005.

Ken retired as an EMS Captain with Orange County Fire Rescue after 30 years of service. He also served as an auxiliary officer with Sanford Police Department and then as a reserve deputy with Orange County Sheriff’s Office for over 40 years.

After retiring, Ken enjoyed traveling with his wife, Becky throughout the U.S. and abroad by way of river and ocean cruises. He accomplished a major bucket list item by way of a cruise through the Panama Canal, after learning that his father and uncle had navigated the Canal during WWII and the Korean War respectively.

Ken worked to restore the home of his maternal grandparents. It was originally built in 1865, but had been owned by the family since 1942. He was proud of his handiwork and attributed much of his knowledge, skill and perseverance to his grandfathers, mother, and others who had mentored him from an early age.

He attended LifeWay Church in Sanford, Florida. Ken dedicated his life to Christ in 2023 and continued his life by sharing kindness with everyone he met. One of his favorite quotes, “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet” (Helen Keller). Ken had an amazingly kind heart and was a mentor to many both personally and professionally.

Ken will be missed by everyone who ever encountered him and his sense of humor, great smile and contagious laughter.

A visitation for Kenneth will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 COUNTY ROAD 46A, SANFORD, FL 32771. A visitation will occur Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 5000 COUNTY ROAD 46A, SANFORD, FL 32771. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5000 COUNTY ROAD 46A, SANFORD, FL 32771. A committal service will occur Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery, 5000 Co Rd 46A, Sanford, FL 32771.