Hal D Burke

Hal D Burke passed away at 11:40 pm on January 2, 2024, at Colonial Assisted Living. He was born September 13, 1929, to John and Leola (Gilmore) Burke.

Hal graduated from Monroe City High school in 1947. He was Captain of the basketball team, Editor of the School Newspaper, played softball and independent baseball.

After graduation, he worked in the Julian Coal Mine until drafted into the United States Marine Corp. in 1952. Hal married Freddie Fay Downey on June 25, 1950, and they had seventy-one happy married years together until her death on November 1, 2021.

Hal was active in the Monroe City Methodist Church and Monroe City Church of God. He helped form the Civil Defense Unit in Monroe City, volunteered for the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department, and was a founding member of the South Knox Service Club. He held memberships in the Masonic lodge #548, Consistory 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, Hadi Shrine Club, and Eastern Star #210.

After serving his country in the Marine Corps., he owned Hal's Hardware in Monroe City, then managed several hardware stores in Vincennes, finishing his career as a sales rep for Eby-Brown Company. After retiring, he worked seventeen years for Goodwin Funeral Home in Vincennes.

Hal enjoyed golfing, woodworking, gardening, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and following South Knox Sports Teams. He was very proud that he contributed to the St. Jude's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN for forty-three years. He was a man of great Faith, who loved God, his Country, family, friends, and community.

Hal is survived by his daughter Rebecca (John) Miller, son, Hal D (Wendy) Burke II, grandsons, Alex (Jana), and Seth (Tessa) Miller, great grandchildren, Ella, Magnolia, Easton, Alana, Eli, and Izzy Fay, nephews Pete (Marcia) Carter and Randie Dreiman, nieces Ranah (Joe) Rusch and Carol Carter. Hal is preceded in death by his parents, John and Leola Burke, wife Freddie Fay, siblings, Gene Burke and Freida Burke Carter, niece Ella Kay Dreiman, and nephews, Pat and Paul Carter and Jeff Burke.

Friends may visit with Hal's family on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home, 524 Broadway, Vincennes, IN from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a Masonic Service to follow and on Saturday January 6, 2023, at Monroe City First Church of God, 4930 S. De Bord St., Monroe City, IN 47557 from 9:00 am until 10:00 am. Hal's funeral service will begin at 10:00 am with Pastor Justin Brown officiating. Those unable to attend can view Hal's service via webcast on his obituary page through www.goodwinsieversfh.com. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery where Hal will be laid to rest next to his wife Freddie Fay. Hal's family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Monroe City Blue Jean Center, 1242 Main St., Monroe City, IN 47557. Online memories may be shared with Hal's family at www.goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Hal and his family.