Feb. 18, 1934 June 4, 2024
On June 4, 2024, Donell Lee Burke, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away at age 90 in San Antonio, TX.
Don was born on February 18, 1934, to Elmer and Viola Slater Burke in Tulsa, OK. His family then moved to Florida where he spent his early years. Later the family moved to Cordell, where his uncle, Floyd Burke, owned the Cordell Cleaners.
Don’s father Elmer Burke, eventually purchased the business and the family established their permanent residence in Cordell.
Don attended school in Cordell, where he excelled in football and basketball. He graduated from Cordell High School in 1952, and then briefly attended Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK, where he played basketball. Don married Jane Ellen Eden, daughter of Winfred and Mattie Eden from Rocky, OK on December 21, 1954.
Don was drafted into the Army in 1957 and served two years on assignments at Fort Sill, OK; Fort Chaffee, AR and Fort Riley, KS. After completing his enlistment, the Burke family moved back to Cordell where Don worked for his father at the Cordell Cleaners until 1965. He was then hired by the U.S. Postal Service. He worked as a mail carrier until 1979 when he was promoted to the position of Superintendent of Postal Operations. Don retired from the Post Office in 1992 with 29 ½ years of service. Throughout his life, Don was active in public service and community affairs, which included service as Washita County Draft Board Agent for two years, member of the Cordell Rotary Club for 22 years, including a term as president. After retirement Don and Jane spent the next several years volunteering at the Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) State Park in Stonewall, TX. Don and Jane have resided in Fredericksburg, TX since 2002. Don was an avid sports fan and supported the Oklahoma Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, and San Antonio Spurs. He loved and supported his family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. He and his wife, Jane loved to travel, and Don enjoyed working in his yard, and creating beautiful stained-glass artwork.
Survivors include his wife of 69 ½ years, Jane Burke of the home Children: Max Burke and wife Cindy of San Antonio, TX and Shari Giblet and husband Lawrence of Cordell, OK Grandchildren: Alexander Burke and wife Kate of Overland Park, KS, Dasa Bland and husband Collin of Mustang, OK Laci Stegall and husband Garrett of Burns Flat, OK Great Grandchildren: Caidance Chrisman, Gage Stegall, Camree Chrisman, Emma Stegall, Bennett Burke and Hudson Burke Brothers: Ronnie Burke and wife Joanie and Jimmy Burke, Sister: Judy Koper and husband Henry He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Viola Burke and granddaughter Jennifer Burke.
He will be missed by his family, friends, classmates, neighbors and countless others whose lives he touched.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 11:00 AM at the Lawnview Cemetery in Cordell, OK.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association or The Cordell Academic Foundation.
Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com.