Terry Lee Burke

Terry Lee Burke, age 74, of Springfield, Missouri.

Terry Lee Burke, age 74, of Springfield, Missouri passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021 after a brief illness.

He was born March 14, 1947 in Elmhurst, IL, the son of James and Gwendolyn (Somes) Burke.  Terry is survived by his loving wife, Joyce (Newlin) Burke. Also surviving are four daughters, Kimberly Heminger (Mic Johnson) of Branson, MO, Theresa Mabbett (R.B. Roberts) of Tampa, FL, Trina Free (Derrick) of Cape Coral, FL, and Melissa Biehl (Kevin) of Olathe, KS, one brother, Ronald Burke and one sister, Carol Norris both of Branson, MO , his grandchildren, Scott, Kyle and Mikaela Heminger; Amanda and Gregory Mabbett and Austin and Kamryn Biehl, great grandchildren, Parker, Adalyn and Scarlett Heminger and Jaycie and Rhylee Woods, along with many nieces and nephews.Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Barbara Altenburger.

Terry attended Bremen High School in Midlothian, IL.  After leaving school he joined the Army and then went on to join the Air Force where he was a Staff Sergeant working with Fire and Rescue for flight emergencies.He owned and operated a silk screen company, spoke at local schools and retired from Hobart Restaurant Equipment Service, where he was an electricalengineer.  Terry’s passion was for service to his community. While in Chicago he served on many fire departments as paid and volunteer and worked as an EMT. When he moved to Branson, he volunteered for the Western Taney County Fire Department and during his retirement he served as a volunteer for the Colfax Fire Department near Bloomington, Illinois. Terry was an accomplished wood worker and crafted many toys and a cradle for his family and others. He was a doglover and fostered many dogs in his lifetime. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.