Kingsley, Michigan - Thomas Edward Burke, 98, of Kingsley, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on March 30, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, the eldest of 8 children. He is survived by two of those siblings, Patricia (Roy) Robinson, of Wixom, Michigan and Jim (Dora) of Fowlerville, Michigan. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War ll. He participated in the Philippine Liberation and the Battle of Okinawa. He was wounded by enemy action on May 11, 1945, and awarded the Purple Heart.

Following the war, Tom returned home and started his family in Wixom, Michigan. He was the town barber. He became very active in the community and spent several years as the director of Parks and Recreation. When Tom retired from working for the City of Wixom for many years and moved north to Kingsley, he worked for The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa golf course for 24 years. He loved sports, whether it was coaching kids, watching his children and grandchildren play sports and playing hockey and golf himself well into his 80's. He loved being together. He was a member of the Birch Park Hunt Club where he enjoyed archery, horseshoes and gathering with family and friends. He was kind, patient and always welcomed the stranger.

He is survived by Glen Burke, (Karin), of Traverse City Michigan, Dan Burke, (Patricia) of Concord, North Carolina, Jean Burke of Concord, North Carolina, five grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his wife Joan Burke and daughter Denice Herrmann.

A memorial service will be held at a later date where military honors will be rendered in recognition of his service.