Malvine E. Burke

Malvine E. Burke, 79, of Benton Harbor, went home to be with his Lord, surrounded by his family, Sunday, October 21, 2012 at his home. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. James Dunn officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may call 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Burke Family or Yore Community Church. Those wishing to sign Malvine’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Malvine was born December 19, 1932 in Leachville, Arkansas to Malvine C. & Bertha (Patton) Burke. On March 25, 1951, he married the former Mildred M. Thomas in Hartford, Michigan. Malvine was employed for several years at RC Cola in Benton Harbor, before gaining employment at Pyramid/Welsh Oil in Benton Harbor. He retired in 1995 after thirty years. Malvine was a member of Yore Community Church in Sodus. He enjoyed reading his Bible, listening to Gospel Hymns, participating at Flea markets wherever he might be, and was always willing to help others. He also enjoyed traveling, riding his motorcycle, and family vacations, and cherished any time he was able to spend with his family. Malvine is survived by his children-Shella (Wayne) Ryan of Coloma, Valarie (Dave) Hampton of Riverside, MI, Malvine Burke, Jr. of Benton Harbor; four grandchildren-Meredith (Rick) Albright, Susan (Chris) Brown, Jamie (Adam) Ranabarger, Bradley (Becky) Burke; six great-grandchildren-Aaron & Joshua Albright, Cody & Kayla Sanning, Blake Ranabargar & Alex Burke; his sister Dorothy Little of Portageville, Missouri; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mildred on June 23, 2007, his daughter Jeannie Daisy in 1982, a grandson Corey Burke, a great-granddaughter Breanna Burke, and an infant brother J.R. Burke.