Joe Burke

Joe Burke, age 97, of Prescott, Arkansas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 12, 2025. He was born on April 4, 1928, in Old Austin, Arkansas to the late Walter and Dora Burke.

Mr. Burke grew up working on the family farm and attended school in Austin and Cabot, Arkansas.

In 1946 he served in U.S. Army’s Parachute Infantry Division during the Occupation of Japan at the end of WWII. After being discharged in 1947, he returned home to help on the family’s share cropping farm.

Mr. Burke later attended Draughon’s Radio School in Little Rock, Arkansas for two years. During this time, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve and in 1951 was activated where he served stateside for one and half years.

On December 3, 1949, he married the love of his life, Doris Morrow. They had a wonderful marriage and were completely devoted to one another for 71 years.

Mr. Burke was the business owner of Burke’s Radio and TV Service in Prescott, Arkansas for 50 years. He also was a poultry grower and farmer during some of this time. During these years, many of his family members worked for him at various times. He will always be remembered as a fair and honest man who gave a helping hand to those in need.

Mr. Burke was an active member of Missionary Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Throughout his many years of church service, he held positions of teacher, song director and Sunday School Superintendent. He loved serving his Lord and was a true Christian gentleman.

Papaw, as he was known to his grandchildren, was a humble man with a quiet gentle spirit. He was patient and kind and a friend to all who knew him. He loved his family deeply and was an excellent caregiver and encourager. We rejoice that he is now in heaven and will miss him greatly.

Mr. Burke is preceded in death by his wife, parents, two grandsons; David Burke, Joey Burke, one granddaughter; Kristi Burke Cuthbertson, two daughters-in-law; Nancy Burke, Genevieve Burke, brothers; Bill, Vergil, and Gerald Burke, sisters; Lorene, Julie, Bessy, Mable, Lena Mae, and Elsie.

Mr. Burke is survived by his children; Ricky Burke, wife Sherry of Prescott, Arkansas, Mike Burke, wife Sissy of Wake Village, Texas, Steve Burke of Prescott, Arkansas, five grandchildren; Jon Paul Burke, Jason Burke, wife Tara, Derek Burke, wife Emma, Lindsey Burke, wife Shelby, Daniel Burke, wife Morgan, twelve great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren and a number of other relatives.

Services will be held Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 pm, at Missionary Grove Baptist Church in Prescott, Ar. with the Rev. Neil Ridling, and Rev. Jody Almond officiating. Visitation will be at the Church from 1:00 to 2:00 prior to the service. Burial with be in the Nubbin Hill Cemetery, Prescott, Arkansas.

We wish to thank the staff at Springs of Hilcrest Nursing Home and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care.

Memorials may be made to Missionary Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jo Ridling, 643 Nevada 66E, Prescott, AR 71857.