Haven E. Burk, 88, of Metropolis, passed away Monday, February 27, 2017, at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY. Haven was born April 3, 1928 in Mason Effingham County, IL to Haven and Pearl (Nave) Burk. Sadly, his mother died 13 days later from complications. At age 5, he got a "new mother" Marie, whom he loved dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Metropolis First Baptist Church with Revs. Jamie Coomer and Roy Lee Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Metropolis Memorial Gardens.
He served as an Illinois State Trooper for 33 years, then a Massac County Deputy for 10 years. He was also a Navy Veteran. Haven was "Burkslaw" for over 43 years and loved every minute of it. He was on the #1 riot squad and security detail for four sitting presidents. He and his partner Trooper Young received the National Red Cross Life Saving Award in Kansas City for saving a barge worker's leg. He arranged and started the Police Radio System in Pope County among many other worthy endeavors. He dedicated his life to law enforcement, doing the job he loved. He was the "Good Samaritan that you hope come along when needed" and cared about the people and communities he served. May he rest in peace.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda (Holder) Burk; daughter, Rhonda McCurdy and husband Bill of Metropolis; sons, David Burk and wife Janet of Brooksville, FL, and Brian Burk and wife Amanda of Metropolis; one sister, Rose Iris Schenkel and husband Randall of Brooksville, FL; eight grandchildren, Robin Foster and Heather Foster of Paducah, KY, Alan, Cody, Drayke and Zachary Burk, Kelly Cook, and Keerstin Wydicks; nine great grandchildren, Chaney and Carley Carney, Megan, Blaine, Kaydence and Landon Cook, Burke Waggoner, Mason and Gatlin Burk.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Haven and Marie Burk.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the Metropolis First Baptist Church.
Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis is in charge of arrangements.
Cemetery Details
Metropolis Memorial Gardens
2824 North Ave
Metropolis, IL,
Visitation
MAR 2. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
First Baptist Church-Metropolis
307 Massac Creek Road
Metropolis, IL, US, 62960
Visitation
MAR 3. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
First Baptist Church-Metropolis
307 Massac Creek Road
Metropolis, IL, US, 62960
Service
MAR 3. 11:00 AM
First Baptist Church-Metropolis
307 Massac Creek Road
Metropolis, IL, US, 62960
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Haven E. Burk, please visit our floral store.