Walter B. Burke, 88, died Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg.
He was born Oct. 13, 1932, in Rowlesburg, a son of the late Joseph W. and Nettie Ford Burke.
Walter was a proud Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army. He was the founder and funeral director of Burke Funeral Home in Rowlesburg for 34 years. He was a successful business owner and entrepreneur, owning several other businesses throughout his lifetime. He graduated from Rowlesburg High School, Salem College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He was a member of the Rowlesburg Lions Club, Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, Cannon Hill VFW Post 3008 and the Christ United Methodist Church in Rowlesburg and the Preston County Historical Society.
Walter is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Custer Burke; a son, Joseph Custer Burke and his wife Michelle, of Madisonville, La.; four granddaughters, Madeleine, Meaghan, Molli and Malaina; four nephews, Dr. Bill Burke, Bob Burke, Brad Burke and Jeff Carderall, of Texas; two sisters-in-law, Carol Rogers and Mary Elizabeth Carder, of Texas; and close family friends, Harman and Kay DelSignore, of Rowlesburg. His beloved cat, Pepper, brought him joy for the last 20 years, with a seemingly unending supply of treats.
Walter was an avid traveler and enjoyed cruising around the country with his wife Catherine. He always found time to enjoy the great outdoors by the river, whether finding a new project to work on or just enjoying mowing the lawn. It brought him great joy to spend time with his granddaughters, from serious storytelling to just laughing out loud. He had the best stories and life lessons to share.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Joseph William Burke, and a nephew, William Carder.
A graveside service will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery at Prunytown with Pastor Kevin Keplinger officiating. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Preston County Honor Guard and the WVANG Military Funeral Honors. A memorial service will be held later in the year after the COVID pandemic.
Catherine and her family would like to thank the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility, Sundale Rehabiliatation and Long-Term Care, Preston Memorial Hospital and Dr. Mike Schwarzenberg for their care given to Walter during his illness.
Condolences:
www.burkefuneralhomewv.com
