WILLIAM BURKE

BLODGETT, Mo. -- William R. Burke, 86, of Springfield, Mo., died Monday, April 23, 2001, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield.

He was born March 1, 1915, at Blodgett, Mo. He and Wilma Louise Batts were married March 24, 1936, at Vanduser, Mo.

Burke lived in Scott County until moving to Springfield in September 2000.

He had been a farmer, teacher, and insurance agent, retiring in 1978. He was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church and member of Morley Masonic Lodge of Morley, Mo.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Dale Burke of Monett, Mo., Terry Burke of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; a daughter, Joy Leslie of Tulsa, Okla.; a sister, Marjorie Carter of Sikeston; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Friends may call at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston from 5-8 p.m. Thursday.

Funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church, with Dr. Jim Davis officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.