Paul E. Burke, Jr.
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Paul “Bud” Burke passed away on August 17, 2017. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Bud was born on January 4, 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri to Paul and Virginia Burke. Bud was an avid Jayhawk and life-long devoted Kansan. He graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in 1952 and from the University of Kansas in 1956 earning letters in tennis and swimming.
Bud served the State of Kansas as President of the Senate from 1989-1997 and as Majority Leader from 1985-1988. He served in numerous national governmental leadership positions including, President of the National Conference of State Legislatures and he was appointed by President Bush to the United States Trade Commission Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee.
Bud served his country as a United States Air force fighter pilot, and later as a carrier trained navy aviator in the United States Navy Reserves retiring as a Captain.
Bud served his alma mater, the University of Kansas, in many different capacities, most recently as a member of the National Board of Directors for the KU Alumni Association.
Bud was a business owner- the owner of WebbCo, Inc. a Kansas City, Missouri Industrial and Engineering equipment company until he sold the business in 1986. He was Senior Vice President of and investment banker at Ranson Capital Corporation from 1986-1994 and President and Owner of Issues Management Group, Inc. a governmental and public affairs organization from 1996 until he retired.
Bud is survived by his wife, Debbie, his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Kane, four daughters – Anne Burke (and husband, Dee), Kelly Barnett (and husband, Marc), Cathy Rhodes (and husband Rocky), and Jenny Roth (and husband, Cameron). He is Grandpa to 15 grandchildren, 3 great granddaughters and a fourth great granddaughter on the way.
Bud and Debbie loved to travel. And travel, they did- all over the world. Bud loved his family, his Jayhawks, his state and his country. He was a statesman, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a fearless fighter pilot and our hero.
Memorials may be made to Corpus Christi Church, Lawrence, Ks., KU Endowment Association and the Compassionate Care Hospice – all c/o Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. Memorial services will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 22 at 1:00 at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, Kansas. We will celebrate his life at the KU Alumni Association after the ceremony.
Bud’s limitless energy, joy for life, love of family, and his stories (sometimes embellished) will be missed.
Jim and I are deeply saddened to learn of Bud’s death. Our thoughts are with Debbie and with Bud’s daughters and their families at this sad time. But we know they all have lifetimes of fun and happy memories to cheer them through it. Bud brought an energy and zest to everyone he met, to everything he did. During his service in the Kansas Senate, there was a warm and collegial atmosphere that reigned; and that calm, dignified, courteous, respectful spirit was felt on both sides of the aisle, crossing party lines. We could use leaders like Bud Burke at all levels government right now. Bud, thank you for your service to your state and your country. You will be missed.
Debbie and Family,
I am so sad to hear of Bud’s passing. I loved Bud! He was Senate President when I started in the majority leaders office and he was so sweet and kind to me. He always said good morning to me on his way to his office. He often found times to come to my office and hang out with me when he was lobbying. I always enjoyed seeing him and talking about our families and all things political. He was certainly a true statesman and someone I will never forget.
Dear Ann and Family:
I had not been able o send a message until hoped=fully now???
Mine and your Uncle Ray Samual Pierson Jr. with Mr. John Ercy Wilkinson,
over the years with your Father was price less.
I still have my last letter from your father and its contents remains for reserved matters now.
Our Nation remains i need of everyone best for the future and the President for his efforts.
God bless Paul and you and your’s at this time and for a brighter future to emerge
from the current conditions.
Franklin Dee Williams and Family.
R.R. # 1. or # 13. or 4131 SW Gage,
Shawnee County, Kansas 66610-1133
[785] 272-5392
eces
Sue & Gary Padgett,
Bud had it all. Handsome, intelligent, personable, athletic, a leader, and a patriot. He was the consummate statesman and will be sorely missed around the statehouse by all Kansans. He was a fine pilot, however fearless (may be embellished). Ha! We want you to know how much we will miss him at school reunions, alumni events, and as a moderate republican willing and working toward a consensus. Sue & Gary
Debbie and family- My condolences to you for your loss. I hadn’t seen Bud in many years but remember him fondly. I’ve often wondered how he was doing. Glad to hear you had many chances to travel and that he continued to work in public service. He will be missed!!
Debbie and family…we are sorry to hear if Bud’s death. We had never met him but sounds like he was a wonderful guy. I think I must have been in high school with him at Shawnee Mission…I graduated in 1955 but did not know him…it was such a big school. We have such fond memories of our “baby-sitter” and her family. Know it will be a difficult time for you…but know you will have memories that will help. Can you imagine our Jeff with 4 daughters and 7 grandkids? Deb and Ron do not have children but do have a lovey cat.
We send our love, John and Sharon Gutschenritter
In earlier years, when Bud lived in Johnson County, Bud and I enjoyed a close friendship.
Bill Nulton
Bud and I enjoyed a close friendship.
Bill Nulton
In earlier years, when Bud lived in Johnson County, Bud and I enjoyed a close friendship.
Bill Nulton
To the Burke family,
The greatness of your family is one testimony to the greatness of Bud Burke.
Gracious, funny, fun, smart, a true American. A wonderful husband, father,grandfather, great grandfather and friend.
We will miss him.
Rick and Barbara
Anne and Family,
While I did not know your father, Anne, I have no doubt your character and integrity, and love of and skill you bring to your profession, was highly influenced and embodied in you by your father. You are lucky to have had such a great example and legacy to live up to … which you are clearly accomplishing :).
… My most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Warmest Regards,
Beth Bowers
Anne, Erin, and family,
We send our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. What a blessing he was to his family, community, and country. He leaves an amazing legacy! No doubt, he passed being incredibly proud of his wonderful family!
Kansas has lost a real treasure and a gifted leader who earned respect from both sides of the aisle. Bud showed us that difficult tasks could be accomplished in a respectful and peaceful manner.
Bud, your work here may be done but your memory and legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew you.
To Debbie and family – I hope God’s blessings bring you peace during this difficult time.
I am sorry for your loss. “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore…”
– Revelation 21:3,4
Bud was a wonderful person and the kind of statesman that our country so badly needs. His wit and charm, intelligence and integrity will be missed greatly. We regret that we are away from Kansas and unable to participate in his memorial services, but he and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
It was a genuine privilege to know Bud Burke. He was more than a wonderful family man, successful businessman, skilled Navy pilot, and popular politician. He was a true statesman; an officer and a gentleman at all times. At the funeral service, the daughters were so brave and eloquent; a testament to his legacy. Please accept my condolences.
Debbie, Anne, Kelly, Cathy and Jenny,
The memorial that you held in honor of Bud was so well done- the stories, the KU fight song and reception. I think he would have enjoyed it all.
He was a kind, loving person and you did a lovely job of reminding us.