Philip Lee Burke Obituary
Description: Philip Lee Burke Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences to His Loved Ones...
PHILIP LEE BURKE
July 19, 1935 - April 11, 2024
Obituary
Philip Lee Burke of La Junta, Colorado, entered into rest on April, 11, 2024 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on July 19, 1935 in Beltrami, Minnesota to Evelyn and Raymond Burke. At his death he was 88 years of age. Philip is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kandy Burke of La Junta, Colorado; daughters, Jennifer (Rick) Ritter of La Junta, and Bethany (Jim) Newman of La Junta; son, Brian Burke of Santa Fe, New Mexico; grandsons: Alexander, Matthew and Nathaniel (Nathan) Ritter and granddaughter: Kyria Ritter. He has also left nieces and nephews including Cheryl (Curt) Amos and much loved in-laws, Mark and Yolanda Angelo and Marcia Burke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Raymond Burke; brothers, Sonny Burke and Don Burke.
He was an entrepreneur and an extremely hard worker. He operated a tree service in Washington State in which he would climb tall fir trees with a belt and spurs to cut of their tops for safety purposes. He learned to scuba dive and snorkel in the Puget Sound. On one occasion, he and a buddy speared enough fish to feed everyone at a local circuit assembly.
After moving to Colorado he owned a janitorial service and also worked in maintenance at Colorado Bank & Trust for many years. When he first moved to La Junta he helped to construct a Kingdom Hall on Adams Avenue. After retirement he loved to spend time in his garden, and would grow fine vegetables and fruit for his family and friends. He was always ready to share his homemade wine, granola, and espressos.
He and Kandy loved to travel, and attended many international assemblies of Jehovah's witnesses. He and Kandy were able to travel to 15 different countries in their married life. He enjoyed having friends of all nationalities.
Phil loved people and was always ready to share with them the wonderful hope that God's word offers to all. He called it the good news of the Kingdom, a future time of a paradise earth. Even when he was very sick in the waiting room of the cancer treatment center, he would still minister to others and talk to anyone about his faith.
He loved his heavenly father, Jehovah, and his Lord, Jesus Christ. He had unwavering faith in the resurrection and was convinced that he would hear Jesus' voice calling him out of the grave at that time.
He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him and loved him.
Services Held April 27, 2024 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in La Junta, Colorado. Johnson-Romero Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
