Col. and Mrs. John Thomas Burke (ret.)

We will miss two honorable members of the “Greatest Generation” Col. John Thomas Burke (ret.) and the love of his life, Thelma Maxine Burke. A private ceremony blessed by the Air Force Chaplin and Don and Ruth Marsh will be conducted with full honors on June 15, 2009 at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.The caisson will be accompanied by 30 family members and friends. A private dinner and lighted memorial tour will be held in Washington D.C. to celebrate John’s service to his country and their long life together. Both John and Thelma were born in Eastern Washington, and they shared a zest for living. Col. Burke’s Air Force assignments took them across the U.S. to California, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., Florida, Idaho, Hawaii and around the world to Libya and Morocco.Highly decorated during his 32 year Air Force career, Col. John Burke loved serving and protecting his country. His was a career of distinction. Colonel Burke flew over 50 combat missions over Germany in WWII. His fellow pilots and crew members dubbed him “Lucky Johnny” as his flying B24 formation always came back safely. During his career, he held various positions and among these were the roles of Director of Logistics, Director of Quality Control, University of Washington ROTC and Tactical Fighter pilot.Col. Burke was also a key co-coordinating officer for the Berlin Airlift. Colonel Burke is a distinguished veteran of WWII, the Berlin Airlift, the Korean Conflict, and the VietNam War. He received a total of 17 awards among which were the Legion of Merit, The Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, The Meritorious Service Metal, The Air Medal with seven oak clusters, The Air Force Commendation Medal, The World War II Victory Medal, The European African Middle East Campaign Medal, The Air Force Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Ribbon with seven stars and many more. His wife and great love of 61 years, Thelma Maxine Burke, worked for the World War II effort at Hanford, Washington. Thelma Burke stood strongly with her husband throughout her career as an officer’s wife. She mentored young Air Force wives and their families while continuing to take loving care of her own. Thelma received many certificates of appreciation and personal thanks from those she served. She was awarded an “Honorary Angel” award by Bonnie Dunbar in her early years at the University of Washington. After retiring in Bellevue, Thelma was active in Care Giving, Somerset Music and Arts group, and the Seattle Opera.John and Thelma were not only heroes of the “Greatest Generation” but heroes and best friends to their three surviving children; Patricia, Pamela, John Patrick and their cherished grand-daughter Lyndsey C. Burke. John is also survived by six nephews and two nieces and their families: Richard Burke, Rodney Burke, Michael James Burke, Mark Burke, Doug Burke, Billy Burke, Diane Donahue, and MaryEllen Cardella. Thelma is survived by two nieces; Theresa Lo and Diana Notaro, and one nephew, Mark Newlun and their families.Beloved, John Thomas and Thelma Maxine will rest in the hearts of their family and friends who will continue to honor them both. We love you.