Ford Funeral Home
Midwest City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
July 2008

William J. Burke was born June 16, 1948, in Bethany, MO to Emerson and Winona Bea Burke. He passed away in Muskogee on June 29, 2008. William, along with 6 of his closest friends, served in the Marine Corp in Vietnam where he served as a radio operator in 4 major campaigns. The seven of them were remembered as the “magnificent 7”. Mr. Burke had a passion for many things in life. He loved Harley Davidsons, guns, and sailboats. He also enjoyed every moment with family as well as reading histories and biographies.

William was preceded in death by his father. He leaves behind his mother; one son, Jay Burke and wife Erika Baez; one sister, Tina Griffin and husband Nick; and one brother, Brian Burke and wife Carolyn. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Casey, Corey, Rachel, and Ashley. Services for William will be at 3:00 PM on Wednesday July 2nd at Candlewood Chapel in Midwest City under the direction of Ford Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local chapter of the DAV or Vietnam Veterans of America.