Obituary of Harold Edmund Burke

HAROLD EDMUND BURKE Harold was born on April 3rd, 1931, in Akron, Colorado and passed away April 30th, 2009 at St. Clare's Hospital in Lakewood, Washington. Harold was born and raised in Akron, Colorado and graduated from Akron High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army for two years as a telephone wireman during the Korean War. Harold was an avid horseman, loving the sport and racing thoroughbreds all over these United States. Harold was also an experienced heavy equipment operator from which he retired in year 2000. Harold was preceded in death by his mother Vesta Bailey Gray; father Edmund Joseph Burke, brother James "Jimmy" Burke; brother Gene Burke and step-brother Ronald Gray. Harold leaves to celebrate his life, his loving wife of 31 years, Melanie; sister, Velma Drum; brother Richard Gray; daughter Debra Lynn Burke Coler; son James Roy Burke; son William Lee Burke; daughter Robin Lynette Burke Ferryman; son David Donald Burke; step-brothers Roger Gray and Darrell Gray; step-sisters Rita Gray Elmore and Reba Gray Runyan; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, not forgetting numerous sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Our family sends a special "thank you" to Harold's step-daughter Meredith and her husband Todd Colvin for the care and kindness they provided the family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 23rd, 2009 at 11AM at the Akron Cemetary in Akron, Colorado. Pastor G. Alan Coler will be officiating. A reception will follow at the Y-W Electric Association Community Room at 250 Main Street, Akron, Colorado, 80720.