Tom BURKS

12 DEC 1932 - 19 AUG 2013

• BIRTH: 12 DEC 1932, Berrien Center, Berrien County, MI
• DEATH: 19 AUG 2013, Buchanan, Berrien County, MI

• MARRIAGE: 29 NOV 1952, Berrien County, Michigan

INDEX

[N31046] Thomas J Burks
Dec. 12, 1932 - Aug. 19, 2013

BUCHANAN - Thomas J. Burks of Buchanan, MI, died peacefully at his home following an extended illness on Monday, August 19. He was born December 12, 1932, in Berrien Center to Jack and Bessie (Neal) Burks and had been a lifelong resident of Buchanan. On November 29, 1952, he married the former Lois Jean Purucker and they spent nearly 61 years together in Buchanan, raising their family, volunteering in the community, and enjoying time spent with family and friends. He was a volunteer firefighter, serving on the Buchanan Fire Department for 30 years, 25 of which were as assistant chief. Tom was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Austria during the Korean conflict. He was a 52 year member of the Buchanan Moose Lodge and a 25 year member of the American Legion Post #51 in Buchanan. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Lois; son, Michael (Carmen) Burks of Niles; daughter, Karen (Dave) Carvell of Portage; and son, Brian (Gail) Burks of Battle Ground, WA; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, William and Neal Burks; a sister. Jackie Montgomery; and a half-brother, Robert Payne. Tom will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and as a man who loved his country and community as well. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2013 at Hoven Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held with Pastor Dave Mitchell officiating at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2013 also at Hoven Funeral Home. Tom will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan with full military rites conducted by American Legion Post #51. A Celebration of Life will be held at American Legion Post #51 following the burial. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Huntington Disease Society of America Michigan Chapter, Attn: Deb Boyd, P.O. Box 72, Richland, MI 49083, or Hospice at Home Inc., 4025 Healthpark Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 23, 2013.