Von Burke
June 7, 1940 — October 18, 2016
Von Ray Burke, Sr., age 76 years of Niles, Michigan died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, October 18, 2016 at his home of natural causes.
He was born on June 7, 1940 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Edwin and Roxanna (Johnson) Burke. He was employed for many years at the former Williams Brothers Box Factory in Saint Joseph, Michigan, and has lived in Niles most of his life.
Von was well known for his love of animals, and especially the pets in his home. He enjoyed playing electronic hand-held games and entertaining neighbors and friends.
Surviving family includes his daughter, Sandra (& Lee) Deuel of Dowagiac, Michigan and son, Michael Burke of Indiana; grandchildren Robert Vermilyer, Bryan Kankowski, William Vermilyer, and Bradley Vermilyer; several nieces and nephews; and a circle of neighbors and friends including Maureen (& Frank) McDonald.
He was preceded in death by two children, Sandra’s twin brother, Alan Ray Burke, and Von Burke, Jr.; and by Von, Sr.’s twin sister, Yvonne Mitchell and their brother, Ed Burke, Jr.
The funeral service for Von Burke, Sr. will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church officiating.