John Robert Burke

John Robert Burke, born October 15, 1942, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Burl and Myrtle (Dees) Burke, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the age of 83.

The family will receive visitors at Whitt Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 22, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Funeral services are planned for 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 23, at New Hope Baptist Church West with Rev. Randy Southerland officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Municipal Cemetery with Tyler Burke, Brayden Rogers, Brandon Perdieu, Chase Grubb, and Tyler Ray serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Burl Sprouse, Randy Travis, Todd Clark, and Tony Pewitt.

John married the love of his life, Patricia Travis, on November 25, 1959, beginning a partnership rooted in devotion, hard work, and deep affection. He graduated from Empire High School in 1960 and spent the next several decades building not only homes, but a life rich with purpose and connection.

John found his true calling as a builder and contractor after working for Halliburton 9 years. While building and contracting, he expanded his businesses to include owning a tire shop and several cabinet shops. For 56 years, he poured his heart into his work, constructing hundreds of homes across Stephens County. He had a remarkable mind, keeping track of schedules and details without ever needing to write them down. More than anything, he built relationships. John never met a stranger, and his easy smile and genuine interest in others earned him countless friendships that lasted a lifetime.

He loved adventure and the outdoors-riding four-wheelers and jeeps in the mountains of Colorado, spending summers at Lake Murray, and enjoying every moment surrounded by the people he cherished most.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Wanda Sprouse.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Pat, of the home; sons: Tim Burke and wife Tracy, and David Burke and wife Sherri; grandchildren: Jessica Grubb (Chase), Kate Ray (Tyler), Tyler Burke, Chelsea Perdieu (Brandon), and Brayden Rogers; great-grandchildren: Paisley Dore', Laken Grubb, Evelyn Ray, Evan Ray, and McKenna Perdieu; and brothers-in-law, Raymond Travis and Cleo Travis.

John leaves behind a legacy of kindness, craftsmanship, and unwavering love. His presence will be deeply missed, but the impact of his life will continue to be felt in every home he built, every friendship he nurtured, and every heart that loved him.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.

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