Jack Burris

Jack L. Burris, 69, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, May 11, 2002, at Marion Memorial Hospital in Marion, Ill. He was born Dec. 22, 1932 in Cape Girardeau, the son of Jesse L. and Myrtle Deever Burris.

Jack graduated from Central High School in 1952. While at Central, Jack was an outstanding athlete. He starred in football, basketball and baseball. He signed a professional contract with the New York Yankees right out of high school and played several years. After his pro career, Jack played for the Cape Capahas, as well as for several state softball championship teams, notably the Uregas Jets and the Schindlers New Hamburg team and Elks Lodge 639. After his playing days, Jack managed the Kohlfeld Softball team and the Lonestar team. Always big on fitness, Jack stayed active through running and weight lifting until God called him home.

Jack was a member of Red Star Baptist Church. He worked at Lonestar for 41 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of Elks Lodge 639.

He is survived by five daughters, Diane Bickings of Kelso, Mo., Debbie Suhre and Kim Kasten of Jackson, Mo., Linda Stieffermann of Washington, Mo., and Laura Younghouse of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Rosalie Colyer of Cape Girardeau; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Friends may call today from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. An Elks service will be held at 7 p.m.

Funeral service will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Red Star Baptist Church with the Revs. Donny Ford and Jim Matthews officiating. Burial will follow in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.