Wayne William Burke, 71, of State College, died Monday, November 28, 2011 at Mount Nittany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 13, 1940 in Benner Township, he was the son of the late William T. and Clara A. (Singer) Burke.
On March 7, 1959, in Houserville, he married the love of his life, Donna J. (Houtz) Burke who survives at home.
Following graduation from Bellefonte High School, Wayne served in the United States Navy, remaining a proud Navy Veteran. He was committed to serving his country, community, friends and family.
Prior to retiring in 2002, Wayne was dedicated to his position as Distribution Superintendent for 26 years with the State College Borough Water Authority.
He was a member of the Houserville United Methodist Church, serving as Church Treasurer, Board of Trustees member and Sunday school teacher for many years.
Wayne was a man of many talents, always eager to assist others. He was a gifted carpenter, and loved to help each of his children with the construction of their homes, and he built amazing keepsakes for each grandchild. The door to his home was always open to friends and family.
He enjoyed fishing from his boat and along the Cape Hatteras Seashore, gardening, attending his grandchildren's events, PSU and local high school football, and if you were on his email list - you heard from him every day. He was most compassionate about his family, especially his grandchildren and special great-granddaughter, always putting his family before anything. His unconditional love, guidance, strong voice and sense of humor will be missed.
In addition to his wife he is survived by three children, Michael (Kathy) Burke of Warriors Mark, Karen Burke-Crawford (Chip Crawford) of Lemont and Shelly (Robert) Barley of Millersville; two sisters, Diane (the late Murray) Davidson of Sanford, NC and Kay Burke of Lock Haven; nine grandchildren, Corey (Shannon) Burke, Chad (Kacee) Burke, Skylar Burke, Nicholas and Alexis Crawford, Amelia, Ethan, Michaela and Laurel Barley; one great granddaughter, Alison Burke, and numerous nieces, nephews, and brother and sister in-laws.
Family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Thursday, December 1, 2011, and Friday, December 2, 2011 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 10:00 AM at the Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Branch Road, State College, PA 16801, with the Reverend Howard Woodruff officiating. Interment will follow at Houserville Cemetery will full military honors.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Wayne's name maybe made to Geisinger Health System Foundation, designated for Cancer/Cardiology/ Endocrinology, 100 N, Academy Ave, Danville, PA 17822, or to State College Meals on Wheels, PO box 1235, State College, PA 16804
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com