Robert "Bob" Chalmers Burke Jr's Obituary
Robert (Bob) Chalmers Burke, Jr. of Longview, TX breathed his last breath on November 11, 2016 at the age of 64. Bob Burke was born on May 31, 1952 in Denton to Robert Chalmers Burke and Patsy Marie Hampton Burke. He grew up Midland where he graduated from Midland High School as class president and drum major. His family bred German shepherds and Arabian horses. The care of animals attributed to his patience and gentleness in life to those around him. Together with his siblings, Patricia and Bill, he grew in the knowledge and love of God. He had fond memories of family trips to visit his uncles, aunts, and cousins; along with the occasional snow and ice covered pass excursion pulling a loaded horse trailer with a car. In 1970, Bob attended the University of Texas in Austin where he ran the half mile and pole vaulted, was an active member of the Texas Cowboys, and was active in both the student ministry and the Church of Christ Bible Chair. There he met his future brother-in-law, Alan, by sneaking into and listening at the door to his bible lectures.
A majority of his life was spent with his church family. He was a member of North “A” and Tennessee Church of Christ in Midland, University Church of Christ in Austin, Ft. Worth and Jax Church of Christ in Midland, Johnson Street Church of Christ in San Angelo, Northside Church of Christ in Springhill, and Alpine Church of Christ in Longview. Bob was a gifted song leader, constant teacher, and former elder.
Bob worked for the Texas Employment and Workforce Commission as a Program Specialist and Supervisor for 31 years where he retired as Regional Director. From 2005 until his death, he worked at Alpine Church of Christ as the Facilities Director and in any capacity he could. His careers were marked by service and caring for people’s needs; even to the extent of heating water on the stove for baptisms.
Bob is survived by his sister Patricia Dawne Burke McNicol and husband Alan; and brother William Francis Burke and wife Meredith. He is also survived by his daughter Lauren Marie Burke Hale; son Robert Chalmers Burke III and wife Hannah; grandchildren Ethan Bailey Bohnsack, Jane Marie Hale, Myla Evangeline Burke, and Robert Chalmers Burke IV; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Alpine Church of Christ in Longview, TX on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 6:00pm. Graveside services will be held at Cathedral In The Pines in Tyler, TX on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 10:00am. Arrangements are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to Alpine Church of Christ Youth Group, 610 E Loop 281, Longview, TX 75605. Bob spent most of his life in the service of his family, church family, children, grandchildren, and especially his Lord, Jesus Christ. He attempted to live his life by the precepts of the Christ Hymn:
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11
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