Marion L. Burke, farmer, poultry grower

Marion L. ‘Bunkie’ Burke, 85, of Seaford, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, surrounded by his family at Beebe Healthcare.

Bunkie was born May 14, 1937, in Hebron, Md., son of the late Lloyd W. and Helen M. (White) Burke.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Helen Mae (West) Burke, and his siblings Ruth Burke, Wilsie Roberts, and Lloyd Burke Jr. 

He is survived by his daughter, Marcia B. Anderson and her husband Donnie; grandson, Travis Burke Anderson and wife Emily; and brother Ronald Burke and wife Carolyn.

Bunkie graduated from Laurel High School in 1956. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for four years and was a member of American Legion Post 60 in Laurel. He was a member of Asbury Methodist Church for over 50 years, where he served as chairman of the board of trustees, chairman of Administrative Council, and vice president of Asbury Cemetery. He was also married there in 1964. Bunkie was an active member of the Delaware Street Rod Association for 23 years and served as a past vice president for 15 years.

In his early years, he was employed by Duke’s Lumber Company, Laurel. He then went on to become a farmer/poultry grower and started Burke Farms. In addition to being a farmer/poultry grower for many years, he also worked off the farm as a construction superintendent.

Everyone who knew Bunkie felt his big heart and giving nature. He enjoyed his daily drives to Dunkin’ Donuts in the mornings, loved to cut grass on the farm, watch western movies, go camping, car shows, NASCAR, and even stock car racing.

Services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Asbury Cemetery with a fellowship gathering at the Community Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bunkie’s Memory can be made to either: Asbury United Methodist Church or Asbury Cemetery, C/O Marcia Anderson 14873 Baker Mill Road, Seaford, DE 19973.

The family would like to thank the E.R., Cardiac, ICU, Med-Surg, and hospice physicians and nurses at Beebe Healthcare for their compassionate care during Bunkie’s short stay. They would also like to thank all their family and friends for their love, support, and prayers.