Bobby Edward Burks

Bobby Edward Burks, whose innate curiosity lead him to a full life of travel, creativity and a belief that everything life threw at him was a puzzle to be solved, passed away in Jefferson City at age 84 on Monday, March 28, 2016. The cause of death was Alzheimer's Disease. He was born August 18, 1931, in Jefferson City, the son of the late George Edward and Dora (Warden) Burks. Bobby served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage on December 14, 1951, in Jefferson City to Mildred Marie Porting who survives. They were happily married for 64 years. Bobby began his career working with Major Brothers Construction and later for Markway Pic Supply Company. In 1986, he began Burks Construction Company with his son, David. An accomplished and skilled woodworker, each of the homes he built were filled with inspired creations. He was a member and long time usher of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagle's Aerie 2693 and the Capital City Bass Club. Bobby loved fishing, camping, bowling, and watching Sprint Car Races. He and Mildred also enjoyed going square dancing and traveling around the country in their RV. But most of all, he loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. As his children would tell you, Bobby loved a good story and telling ones even more. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Burks, Jefferson City; six children, David (Lisa) Burks, Jefferson City; Donald (Molly) Burks, Livingston, MT; Dianne (Frank) Zykan, Florissant; Debby Bullock, Jefferson City; Michele (Tony) Reinhart, Kansas City; Kevin Burks, Jefferson City; nine grandchildren, Angela (Jeff), Matt, Jacquelyn (Adam), Andrew, Lauren, Hannah, Abigail, Grace, Chris (Sheila); eight great-grandchildren, Ella, Olivia, Maryn, Lilli, Bennett, Isabel, Charlotte, Jackson; and two siblings, Roger (Betty) Burks, Macon; and Georgia Saucier, Holts Summit. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Larry Bullock; and four sisters, Pearl Duemmel Distler, Edith Major, Opal Thomasson, and Shirley Quinn. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2016, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Christopher Aubuchon officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, 2400 Bluff Creek Dr., Columbia, MO 65201; Hospice Compassus, 600 Monroe St. Suite 100, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or to St. Joseph Cathedral School, 2303 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.