More detail on this person: Howard Burks, 76, a longtime resident of Greenwood, died peacefully
in his home surrounded by his family Tuesday, January 14, 2014. He was a member of the Greenwood
First Baptist Church, served on the Greenwood City Council and served as Chairman of the Greenwood
Planning Commission. He was an Executive of Mid-America Industries in Fort Smith. He was a
graduate of S.D. Lee High School in Columbus, Mississippi and attended the University of
Maryland.
He had a long and distinguished career in the United States Army, serving three tours of duty in
Germany and two tours of duty in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. He was awarded the following medals:
Legion of Merit, twice awarded the distinguished flying cross for valor, twice awarded the bronze
star, awarded 22 air medals (4th awarded for valor), Navy commendation medal for valor, Army
commendation medal, twice awarded the Vietnam cross of gallantry, Vietnam service medal
(7campaign stars), and other meritorious awards. He retired as a Major in 1974 after 20 years of
service to his country.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nona Burks; his son Ronnie Burks and wife, Jamie; his
daughter Kathy Hance and husband, Steve; his daughter, Linda Burks; seven grandchildren and ten
great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 18 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in
Greenwood, with burial at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Burks, Trey Dolan, Trenton Hance, Jordan Burks, Bret Whiteman, Eric
Holm, and Ryan Watts.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024
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