Robert Burke

Robert “Earl” E. Burke Sr. of Battle Creek, MI., passed away on December 30, 2020 peacefully at home with family.  He was born on October 16, 1937, in Dayton, TN., to Walter W. and Orpha B. (Morgan) Sr.  Earl moved to Battle Creek at the age of eighteen.  He served in the US Army which included deployment to Germany where he earned marksmanship badges to include: Sharpshooter M14, Mortar 812, Expert Recoilless Rifle and Sharpshooter 428.  His long term career was at General Motors where he was employed for twenty-six  years.  Since he was drawn to people and wanted to pass the time to stay busy, he took a position at Napa for five years.  Earl’s favorite hobbies included watching NASCAR, playing cards particularly, Rook and Poker, he loved shooting pool, everything to do with classic cars, but primarily spending time with his grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Alma Burke, Thelma Conners, Lillie Hueckel, brothers; Loren Burke, Gary Paul Burke, and a grandson; Nicholas Martinez.  Surviving are  his wife; Victoria (Sanchez) Burke, children; Marcelino Martinez, Christina Martinez, Victor Martinez, Evangelina ( Martinez) Browne, Crystal (Martinez) Baumann, Robert E. Burke Jr., sisters; Pauline Butcher, Barbara Broughton, Mary Ellen Burke, Audrey Mora, brothers; Walter Burke Jr., James Burke and several grandchildren.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with a private funeral service to follow.  Interment will take place at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The family wishes to extend a special thanks and gratitude to Bronson Hospital, DaVita and Hospice.  Memorial Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org