More detail on this person: Larry Burke passed away on December 2, 2022 from complications associated with Parkinson's disease. He was born on August 25, 1934, in Bernard, Iowa to Earl J and Madeline McDonnell Burke. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Lois Scarff and Jan Tetterton; three brothers Dale Burke, Patrick Burke and Howard Burke; and his granddaughter Melissa McGarrity. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years Beverly Leveridge Burke; son John (Kevin Janasak) Burke; three daughters Nancy (Joe) Martin, Karen (Duane) Westerman and Trish (John) McGarrity; and grandchildren Max (Meghan) Westerman, Nicholas (Alexa) Westerman, Will (Mandy) Westerman, Jeremy Martin, Jacob Martin, Sean McGarrity, Jordan McGarrity, Michael McGarrity and great grandson William Westerman. Raised on the family farm located in eastern Iowa, Larry graduated high school from Loras Academy in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1954 he joined the Air Force, receiving his wings and commission through the Aviation Cadet Program. Out of country tours during his 20 years of service included Labrador, Vietnam, Australia and Iran. As a helicopter pilot in Vietnam he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air medal with eleven OLC's. His favorite assignment was that of Exchange Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, serving at Operation Command HQ at Glenbrook, New South Wales. After 20 years in the Air Force with Beverly by his side, in 1974 Larry retired to sunny San Antonio where he could golf year round. He enjoyed travelling the US with his family, especially pulling the travel trailer to visit family and state parks. After his second retirement, from ROMCO Equipment Company, he and Bev enjoyed their travels to Ireland, Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany and finally a Panama Canal cruise for their 60th wedding anniversary. Larry was a devout Catholic, and with Beverly, he recommitted himself to his church life helping a new church to be constructed and growing his spiritual self through numerous Catholic programs and instruction. Larry was a member of the Order of Daedalians, USAF Helicopter Pilot Assn, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Assn, Pedro Rescue Helicopter Assn, Windcrest Optimist Club and Windcrest Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Vincent de Paul at St Peters Catholic Church,111 Barilla, San Antonio TX 78209. Funeral Mass will be on December 30, 2022 at 10 a.m., St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church 111 Barilla, San Antonio, TX 78209. Private burial to follow, Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery
Burial information: Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery
This information was last updated 12/13/2022
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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