Robert George Burke

Robert George Burke, age 78 of Cumberland, Kentucky, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital. 

He was born to the union of his late parents, George and Audrey Bowman Burke in Eolia, Kentucky.
He was a life-long resident of Harlan County and made his living as being one of the best-known mechanics in the area.  He especially liked working on small engine repairs and said, “If it has an engine, I can fix it!”  

There aren’t enough words to describe what a caring, accommodating and honest man he was.  He was a good husband, father, brother and friend.  He especially loved being a grandfather to his granddaughter, Sophie, whom he absolutely adored.   He enjoyed striking up a good conversation and sharing his life stories full of wisdom with the people he met throughout his life.    When his health allowed, he could be found fishing and enjoying the great outdoors.  His joking personality made him the life of family gatherings.   He enjoyed the meals prepared by his wife, especially meatloaf and fried green tomatoes.  He liked watching Western movies with his wife in the evening time.   Robert was a member of the Boggs Hollow House of Prayer.  He loved the Lord and made Heaven his destination a long time ago. 

He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Jeanette Sexton, a sister and brother-in-law, Clarence and Crystal Jewel Sturgill, who lost their lives in the Letcher County Flood of July 2022, a bother-in-law, Sonny Clark. 

He leaves behind a loving and devoted wife of forty-one years, Anna Marie Burke, sons, James (Heather) Burke, Robert Burke, brothers, Roger Burke, Larry (Donna) Burke, sisters, Margaret Clark, Paula Burke and his granddaughter and the apple of his eye, Sophie Lynn Stewart, his pet Chihuahuas, a host of other relatives and friends.  He left an impression of love and friendship on the people in his life.   He shall be missed.

Visitation will be Friday, September 13, 2024, from 5 p.m. until the funeral hour of 11 am on Saturday, September 14, 2024, with Rev. Jay Holland and Rev. Joseph Boggs officiating.
All services will be at the Boggs Hollow House of Prayer in Blair, Kentucky. 
Burial will follow in the Holland Family Cemetery in Elkins Branch in Letcher County.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Cumberland Valley Funeral Home is Honored to Serve the Burke Family.

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