Lester Floyd Burke

On October 19,1940 Lester Floyd Burke was born to the late Rucell and Lester Burke in Colquitt, GA.
He lived in Miller County for 10 years before moving to Decatur County in 1950. He continued to go to school in Miller County until his Senior year. He left high school to help his father run their family farm for five years.
In 1961, he was drafted to the United States Army and was immediately deployed to Korea. While there he obtained his GED and a degree from the University of Maryland. In 1962, he changed from Infantry to Intelligence Specialist and was assigned to Germany and later served in countries including Vietnam and made Sgt E-5 in 18 months. He later joined the National Guard as an E5 and was a combat Engineer for 10 years. He was then  promoted to 1st Sargent and served there for almost 27 years. During this time, he also joined the American Legion Post 502 and he adopted the name “The Legion Man”. He also served in Sadia Arabia and the Vietnam War.
On April 16,1984, he married the Love of his life Katie Burke. He was a devoted Husband and Father of seven children Larry, Linda, Keisha, Veronica, Renotta, Taquilla and Josh. He had a heart of gold and took pride of taking care of his family.
Lester wore many hats including but not limited to being a member of the Elks Organization to buying it and running it, owning his own insurance company and serving as a director of Southwest Georgia NAACP.
He leaves to Cherish his memories his wife, Katie Mae Burke; 7 Children Linda Walton (Redell) of Bainbridge, GA, Larry Jackson(Vernell) of Savannah, GA, Keisha Warren(Willie) of Bainbridge, GA, Veronica Burke of Bainbridge, GA, Renotta Burke of Bainbridge, GA , Taquilla Burke-Brown (Jamaal) of Bainbridge, GA, Joshua Burke (Danyeal) of Bainbridge, GA; Two Sisters Joyce Temple of Atlanta, GA and Jacquelyn Burke of Atlanta, GA; Two Brothers James Burke of Bainbridge, GA and Terry Burke(Loretta) of Texas; 13 Grandchildren LaKatie “Ciera” Walton(Bradley), Christian Walton, Redell “Pudgy” Walton(Kiani)III, Trey Monteiro, Jasmine Jackson, Tevin Warren, Jatavia Burke, Jessica Hayes, Jade Bullard, Carlos Bullard Jr, Jordan Brown, Journee Brown, Jayse Brown; Six Great-Grand Children Darius “Pooh” Hamilton, Keylon Harrell, Bradley “My Boy” Scott Jr, Kyndall Walton, Kamia Walton, Kristina Walton, a host of Sister in Laws, Brother in Laws, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends and family who he loved.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Rucell and Lester Burke, Three brother Steven Burke, Wilson Burke and Danny Burke and a grandson TJ Warren. 
 

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