Jerry L. Burke passed away Friday, February 23, 2018. We will gather for fellowship and remembrance from 6 to 8 PM, Monday, February 26, 2018 at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life of 74 years on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at 12:30 PM at West Texas Church at the Barn with Ted Currington officiating.
Jerry was born February 14, 1944 to Ray and Jessie Burke in Lamesa, TX, and was a long time Wolfforth resident. He owned and operated Jerry’s Photography since 1975. Jerry photographed countless schools, sports teams and events, families, seniors, and weddings.
Jerry graduated Monterey High School and was very involved in planning and organizing many reunion events. Jerry and his wife, Beverly, were house parents at Texas Boys Ranch in the mid 1970’s where they invested much of themselves to create a better life for kids.
Jerry and Beverly were longtime members of Church on the Rock. They traveled the world over with COTR and various other ministries doing prayer support and pastor’s conferences. He was also involved with the Men’s ministry and loved hosting Men’s Retreats at his cabin in Ruidoso and his ranch in Ralls.
Jerry loved horses and riding. He rode his horse with some of his dearest friends from Lubbock to Fredericksburg just to prove he could. It took two legs to complete the ride, one from Slaton to Colorado City (6 days) with his dear friend Oliver Spicer and the second from Colorado City to Fredericksburg (10 days) with his friends Jake Kellen and Mike Jackson. This trail ride was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and it proves that you’re never ever too old to make your dreams come true.
Jerry loved his family and friends. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, they were his greatest joy! He took the responsibilities God blessed him with very seriously. He was a wonderful husband and caregiver for his sweet wife, a rock and provider for his children, and an endless encourager to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He prayed tirelessly for his family and friends and was always ready and willing to visit or have a meal together.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Beverly; daughter, Debbie Turnbow and husband, Michael; son, Jent Burke and wife, Stacy; seven grandchildren Jessica, Drew, Brooks, Brynna Tristan, Deidra, and Brayden and one great-granddaughter Ellie as well as his sister, Brenda Oats.
He is proceeded in death by his son, Doug.