Richard Gary Burke, the son of Richard and Charlene (Williams) Burke, was born March 20, 1942, in Maryville, Missouri. Gary graduated from Fairfax High School, Fairfax, Missouri, in 1960. In 1963, Gary joined the United States Army Reserves, receiving his honorable discharge in 1970.
On March 9, 1967, Gary was united in marriage to Jackie (Vance) Muntz, and they became the parents of two sons, Rick and Scott. They later divorced. On June 20, 1987, Gary was united in marriage to Judy King at the Fairfax Presbyterian Church, Fairfax. They made their home in the Rock Port, Missouri, area to the present time.
Gary farmed with his dad in the Fairfax area until 1970 when he began his own farming operation. He farmed in the Atchison County area. In 1995, Gary and Judy purchased Fletcher Motors in Tarkio, Missouri, from Gene Fletcher. Gary also worked for Missouri Beef Packers for two years in the 1960s. They retired in 2011.
Gary was a member of the Church of Christ in Rock Port and was currently attending the First Christian Church, Rock Port. He was a longtime faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous in Atchison County. He enjoyed driving and spending time at their home on the Lake of The Ozarks. Gary especially loved spending time with his family. Gary and Judy are thankful for the excellent care received from their daughter, Shelly, granddaughter, Summer, and grandson, McKale. Gary passed away Monday, November 27, 2023, at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, at the age of 81.
Besides his parents, Gary was preceded in death by son, David Lininger. Survivors include wife, Judy Burke, Rock Port; children, Rick (Mandy) Burke, London, England, Scott (Karen) Burke, Fairfax, Shelly (Mark) Cofer, Rock Port, and Randy (Stephanie) Lininger, Shawnee, Kansas; grandchildren, Sarah Burke, Sam Burke, McKale Burke, Daltyn Burke, Darian Thomas, Deyton Burke, Lauren Dye, Taylor Makings, Morgan Cofer, Brooke Lininger, Blake Lininger, and Summer Reeves; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Jerilyn Burke and her husband, Raymond Sisson, St. Joseph, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held Friday, December 1, 2023, at First Christian Church, Rock Port, conducted by Pastor Kailea Nauman. Interment was at English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax. Military rites were under the auspices of Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to First Christian Church, Rock Port, or English Grove Cemetery, Fairfax. Arrangements were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.