Gerald L. Burke

Funeral Service for Gerald Burke will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2013, at the First Baptist Church of Inola, Inola, Oklahoma, under the direction of Inola Funeral Home & Crematory.
Gerald passed away October 31, 2013 at the age of 81.
Gerald was born to George W. and Regina Moore Burke on June 25, 1932, in Miami, Oklahoma. After the passing of his parents when he was 11 years old, Gerald, and his brother Jim, lived with grandparents Ida & Ira Blackwell in the Martha Brown area near Chouteau. He attended school at Martha Brown and Chouteau High School, graduating in 1951. On November 2, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Fern Mann. They made their home in Tulsa where he began working for Oklahoma Steel Castings. In January, 1953, Gerald was called to serve in the United States Army. Upon discharge Gerald returned to Tulsa, again working for Oklahoma Steel Castings until retiring in 1986. In 1981, Gerald and Fern moved to Inola where they started raising cattle on their farm. Gerald and Fern faithfully attended church, serving together in many capacities. Gerald always loved to welcome members and guests into to the church, greeting at the doors for over 45 years. He also served as Sunday School Director, Training Director, Sunday School teacher and deacon. Gerald was a member of First Baptist Church of Inola for 30 years. He also conducted Bible study for 17 years at the Inola Health Care Center. He coached several baseball and football teams, and enjoyed the time he had to spend with youth. Gerald was willing to help anyone and was a mentor to many. His life was a witness to his love of God, family and his farm.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Regina Burke, his grandparents, Ida and Ira Blackwell, and his brother Dale Burke.
Survivors include his wife Fern of the home; daughter Regina Smith and husband Ozzie Smith of Wyoming, son, Leon Burke and wife Jill of Tulsa; brother Jim Burke of Tulsa, sister, Virginia Perkins of California, grandsons, Joshua Smith, Montana Smith, Cole Burke and Ivan Smith; granddaughters Corianne Cox and husband Ryan, Hayden Lago and husband Jake, Shaye Burke, Chrissy Smith, great-grandchildren Noah and Jasmia and many nieces, nephews and cousins.