Wayne Burke

Wayne Burke passed away in the ICU on December 2, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer and related medical complications. After 76 years, he finally found something more stubborn than himself. Born in Navasota, Texas to C.R. and Amelia Burke on December 28, 1947, Wayne was the oldest of twelve siblings. He graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, TX in 1966. Soon after graduation, Wayne met Jolene Stroad at 2-M's Malt n' Burger Mart. When she kissed a mutual friend, Bob Smith, goodbye in the parking lot, Wayne asked if she had one of those for him. She laid a wet one on him and the rest is history. He soon proposed in that same parking lot, and they were married on September 30, 1967, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Wayne also started his love/hate relationship with the commercial construction industry in 1967. He soon became known for his innovative ideas and unwavering work ethic. Although he said he hated numbers, he could work magic with project budgets. His colleagues respected him for his leadership skills and mentorship. He spent the last 18 years as the proud co-owner of Brazos Builders, Inc. with his oldest daughter, Leacia Brilliant.

Wayne loved Texas BBQ, golfing badly, traveling with his family, going to concerts, doing his daily crossword, and puffing on an occasional cigar. He disliked cheese, bad customer service, and stupidity.

He was preceded in death by Jo, his wife of 57 years, his parents, his mother-in-law, Dorothy, four of his siblings, and his brother-in-law, Michael. He is survived by seven siblings and their partners, Jo’s sisters, Norma and Jeree, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.

Please join his daughter, Leacia, her partner, Chuck Zimmerman, his daughter, Jana, and his grandson, Gavin Copeland, on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 2 pm MT to listen to some of Wayne’s favorite music and celebrate a life well lived. The service will be streamed live. Memorial contributions in Wayne’s memory may be made to the National Right to Work Committee, American Heart Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice.