David Burke  

David L. Burke, 89, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2022, after a brief illness.

David was born on December 6, 1932, in Portland, Indiana, and grew up surrounded by a loving and supportive extended family.

He attended Warsaw High School, where he was the high jump state champion. There, he also met his lifelong love, Janet Miller. They married in 1953.

David went on to earn his Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and Education, with a minor in physical education, from Purdue University, also earning his Masters Degree from Ohio State University.

In the fall of 1961, he began a 35-year teaching career at Culver Academies, retiring in 1996 as a Master Instructor in Mathematics. Additionally, he coached cross-country and track for 10 years.

After his retirement, he liked to keep his mind occupied, taking up various hobbies including making clay pots, building rustic furniture, growing bonsai trees, and learning Italian. He was a prolific writer of haiku, loved to read and listen to music, especially Mozart. He was a master at making puns, eliciting many groans from family and friends. He was an animal lover, and cherished the companionship of his many pets, especially Cosmo.

David was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Chandler, stepfather, Albert Chandler, and his wife, Janet.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Don) Nelson, sons, Dan Burke, Scot (Kim) Burke, and Steve (Sharon) Burke, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at The Center at Donaldson, Cana Hall, 9601 Union Road, Plymouth.

Donations can be made to poorhandmaids.org/Give