Ret. Maj. John Thomas Burke
September 16, 1931 — March 23, 2016
Ret. Maj. John Thomas Burke, 84, of Phenix City, AL died Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at Columbus Hospice House.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907 with Rev. Robert Goodman officiating. A private family interment will be held at Ft. Benning Main Post Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Ret. Maj. Burke was born September 16, 1931 in Franklinville, NC son of the late Theodore Thomas Burke and Myrtle Davis Burke. He retired as a Major from the U.S. Army having served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. During his service, he received a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Korean Distinguished Service Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
He later worked and retired from the Civil Service. Ret. Maj. Burke was a member of Summerville Baptist Church, past president of the 1st of the 15th Infantry Association and was a coach of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. He also worked at Bull Creek Golf Course where he also enjoyed playing golf.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dulcie N. Burke, second wife, Vivian J. Burke and brother, Marion Burke.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Ellis Burke of Phenix City, AL, daughter, Michelle Bentfield (Stan Plymale) of Talbotton, GA, step-daughter, Toni Pontecouteau (Jean Paul) of Destin, FL, step-sons, Kenneth Ellis (Pam Whitehead) of Phenix City, AL and Roger Rush of Pocahontas, AR, brother, Frank Burke, nephew, Allen Burke both of Franklinville. NC, granddaughter, Melodie Tanner (Matt Wheeler), great granddaughter, Noble Wheeler both of Athens, GA, and many other relatives, friends, and church family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Summerville Baptist Church 3500 Summerville Rd. Phenix City, AL 36867.
3874 Gentian Blvd Post Office Box 7907
Columbus, GA, 31908
Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907 with Rev. Robert Goodman officiating. A private family interment will be held at Ft. Benning Main Post Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Ret. Maj. Burke was born September 16, 1931 in Franklinville, NC son of the late Theodore Thomas Burke and Myrtle Davis Burke. He retired as a Major from the U.S. Army having served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. During his service, he received a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Korean Distinguished Service Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
He later worked and retired from the Civil Service. Ret. Maj. Burke was a member of Summerville Baptist Church, past president of the 1st of the 15th Infantry Association and was a coach of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. He also worked at Bull Creek Golf Course where he also enjoyed playing golf.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dulcie N. Burke, second wife, Vivian J. Burke and brother, Marion Burke.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Ellis Burke of Phenix City, AL, daughter, Michelle Bentfield (Stan Plymale) of Talbotton, GA, step-daughter, Toni Pontecouteau (Jean Paul) of Destin, FL, step-sons, Kenneth Ellis (Pam Whitehead) of Phenix City, AL and Roger Rush of Pocahontas, AR, brother, Frank Burke, nephew, Allen Burke both of Franklinville. NC, granddaughter, Melodie Tanner (Matt Wheeler), great granddaughter, Noble Wheeler both of Athens, GA, and many other relatives, friends, and church family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Summerville Baptist Church 3500 Summerville Rd. Phenix City, AL 36867.
Visitation
MAR 25. 6:00 PM (EDT)
McMullen Funeral Home3874 Gentian Blvd Post Office Box 7907
Columbus, GA, 31908
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