Robert Burke

Robert Oliver Burke, aged 82 years, of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed peacefully away at home October 25, 2011. The eighth of nine children of the late Walter and Hazel Burke, Bob was born December 13, 1928, in Memphis, TN. A proud graduate of Christian Brothers High School, he began his lifelong career in the Materials Handling industry at the Fred J. Vandemark Company. In 1949 he married Martha Ann Jones and together they raised six children. In 1966 he fulfilled his dream of having his own business by moving his family to Jackson, MS, and founding Mississippi Clarklift, Inc. He earned national respect of industry peers, building a small dealership into one emulated by those many times its size. In 1990 Bob retired to Pensacola Beach, FL, enjoying the good life of golfing, traveling and contract bridge, until the time he was no longer able to do so. In 1996 he married Deborah Ann Hancock and shared his last years with her. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight brothers and sisters. Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Deborah; his children Robert O. (JoAnn) Burke, Jr.; Martha B. (Rusty) Rossie; Catherine B. (Billy) Crews; Louise B. (Patrick) Rainey; Susan B. (Phillip) Smith; Gina B. (John) Richardson; 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 28, 2011, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Mission, 920 Via de Luna, Pensacola Beach, FL with Msgr. Luke Hunt and Fr. Paul Lambert officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to your local Ronald McDonald House.