Sam Burke

Sam Burke was born on May 19, 1948, to Leray and Maralyn (Carr) Burke in Stamford, TX. He was in the first senior class which graduated from Coronado High School. He attended Texas Tech and married the love of his life, Helen Zara on July 6, 1968, in Lubbock. Sam served in the US Marine Corps for two years and he held rank of Sgt. when he was honorably discharged. He was an expert rifleman and received the Good Conduct Medal. Sam owned Lubbock Auto for 30 years and Master Cleaners for 14 years. Over the years Sam owned many companies that he felt had a potential to be profitable. So he would jump in and take hold of the project to enhance and benefit the business. He enjoyed many different activities from racing cars, motorcycles and boats to water skiing, where he held a world record. Sam was one of the first people brave enough to waterski barefoot. Not only was Sam a “GO BIG OR GO HOME” kind of person, but he was generous and kind. He was an active member of Church on the Rock, where he served as an usher, and on the finance committee. Sam took great pride in serving on the committee for the Lubbock Dream Center and being instrumental in providing them turkeys for the holidays. He also worked with the Kingdom Builders, Adopt-a-Block and Prosperity with a Purpose. Alongside his wife, Helen, he organized and orchestrated Lubbock’s Night of Honor Israel. Sam invested in the lives of all he met. He was a godly man of integrity who loved unconditionally, sacrificed selflessly, and let nothing come between his love for God and his family.He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Oats and a nephew Doug Burke.Sam is survived by his loving wife, Helen Burke; a son, Scott Burke and wife, Carla of Keller; a daughter, Audrey Jarnagin and fiancée, Michail Trull of Lubbock, 3 grandchildren, Conrad Jarnagin, Lexi Burke, and Abigail Jarnagin; brother, Jerry Burke and wife, Beverly of Wolfforth; and a sister, Brenda Oats of Lubbock.