Billy Franklin Burke

Life Sketch for Billy Franklin Burke

Billy Franklin Burke, 78, of Park City, Kansas passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2014.

Billy was born in Albertville, Alabama on June 27, 1935 to Oliver and Margie (Gorham) Burke.

Billy married Avis Louisa Graham on February 23, 1957 at the First United Methodist Church of Newton. She preceded him in death in 1995. He married Sandra Knoll-Burke, in November of 2001 in Park City, Kansas.

Billy served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1964 as a Tech Corporal. After his service in the Air Force, he attended seminary at the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas.  In 1965 he moved back to Kansas and was employed for 33 years by Hesston Corporation. He retired in 1998 due to health reasons. Billy had a great sense of humor and “loved” Alabama. He was a member of Unity Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife: Sandra Burke; sons: Bruce and LaDeena Burke and Kevin and Michaela Burke; stepsons: Charles, Loren and James Sr. Killingsworth and wife, Cherry; 8 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Avis Louisa (Graham) Burke; parents: Oliver and Margie Burke; brother: Marion Tapley Burke; sisters: Jolene Lowery and Belvie “Ann” Floyd.

A public visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 on Thursday, June 19^th, at Petersen Funeral Home of Newton.  The family will be present to greet friends from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. and share a sermon requested by Billy. A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M, Friday, June 20^th at Peabody Christian Church in Peabody, Kansas. Burial will follow the service at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Peabody.

A memorial has been set up for the following: Chisholm Trail Senior’s Inc., 6100 N. Hydraulic St., Park City, KS. and Peabody Senior Citizen Center, 106 N. Walnut, Peabody, KS. 66866. Petersenfa