RD Burks

RD Burks RD Burks of Eugene passed away in the early morning hours on Monday July 20, 2015. He died of renal failure at Evergreen Hospice Home in Albany. RD was 92 years old. RD was the oldest son of Grover and Pearl Burks. He was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma on October 12, 1922. At a very young age RD and his family migrated west looking for work and prosperity due to the bad economic conditions in Oklahoma. They settled in the Eugene area. Wile attending Junction City high school, he became very close friends with Margaret Christensen, the girl who lived across the street. As the years progressed their relationship with each other grew stronger. RD graduated from Junction City High School in 1942. He joined the US Marines and he was sent to combat duty in the Pacific. RD returned from World War II late in 1945. On June 29, 1946 RD and Margaret were married at Emmaus Lutheran Church. After his marriage to Margaret, he became a license beautician. RD studied and crafted his vocational skills all over the US; becoming one of the top hair stylist in the state of Oregon. He was nominated as President of the Oregon Beauticians Association. Their business grew to where they successfully owned and operated five beauty salons, in Eugene. Although RD loved his work, his family was the most important part of his life. Margaret preceded him in death by just two months. They were inseparable and were happily married for 68 years. Survivors include son Jens Burks (Becky) of Woodburn, daughter Kristen Burks of Springfield, and son Norman Burks (Peggy) of Vancouver. RD is also survived by two brothers, Howard Burks of Roseburg and Benjamin Burks of Sutherlin. RD also deeply loved his five granddaughters and two great grandsons. Megan O’Quin (Jason) of DeKalb Illinois, Kari Galloway of Springfield, Lisa Lau (Derrick) of Portland, Alexa Burks of Beaverton, McKenna Burks of Vancouver all cherished the time they had with their grandpa. “Pop Pop” RD also enjoyed his two great grandsons Andrew and Samuel Galloway. RD greatly enjoyed his many cherished friends, his long term membership with the Bethel Lions Club, his volunteer work with Food for Lane County, and his final years at Solvang Retierment Community, RD loved to travel in his motor home. His favorite camping and fishing spot was Diamond Lake. He and Margaret spent a great deal of time at their beach cabin near Waldport. He was a long term active member of Bethesda Lutheran Church. A celebration of RD’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 5th at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 4445 Royal Ave, Eugene Oregon. There will also be a full Military Honors Ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland on Thursday August 6th at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking to make donations to either Bethesda Lutheran Church or the Bethel Lions Club. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the on line obituary and you are invited to sign the electronic guestbook at www.musgroves.com.