Noel Clinton Burke

Noel Clinton Burke, 85, passed away April 3, 2008, in Denver, Colorado. He was born on August 15, 1922, in Lovell, Wyoming to Rufus and Ella Cora Hoffman Burke, the second of five children. He was named All State Basketball Champion while attending Lovell High School. After High School he served 3 ½ years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His ship, the Battleship New Mexico, survived a kamikaze attack and was subsequently towed into Tokyo Bay, where he and his crewmembers witnessed the signing of the peace treaty ending war with Japan. After returning home, he attended the University of Wyoming, where he met his sweetheart of 61 years, Marjorie Banks. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on June 3rd, 1947. Noel graduated with a degree in geology. He worked in geological exploration in the oil and gas industry his entire career. One of his achievements was the discovery of the largest natural gas field in the U.S. His family claims that there was never a fishing pole that he didn't like – he loved to fish and to be in the great outdoors. He also took great pride in growing some of the biggest, juiciest tomatoes, which he freely shared. His children and grandchildren fondly remember his great love of gardening. Noel was privileged to be called and set apart as a sealer in the Denver Colorado LDS Temple by Thomas S. Monson, where he served for 15 years. He was a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by family and friends. Noel is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie Burke; daughter, Cynthia Winn (husband, David); daughter-in-law, Jeanette Burke, all of Denver; 10 grandchildren: Eric Noel Burke (Jamee), James Fred Burke (Kimberly), Stephanie Luck (Andrew), Michael Noel Burke (Jessica), Gregory Noel Burke, Robert David Burke (Jenae), Camille Marie Burke, Ryan David Winn (Anna Lohman Winn), Stephen Burke Winn (Katherine Ruth), Kelley Renee Hicken (Mark Allen); 15 great-grandchildren: Jacob Eric Burke, Katelyn Brenda Burke, Maxwell Noel Burke, Jason Richard Burke, Peyton Elisabeth Burke, Brandon Jacob Luck, Emily Marie Luck, Matthew Jacob Luck, Nathan Michael Burke, Zachary James Burke, Alexis Brooke Winn, Stephen Thomas Winn, Michael David Winn, Amy Katherine Winn, Logan Mark Hicken; sister, Viva Ellis, of Arvada, CO; and a brother, Douglas Burke, of Kennewick, WA. Noel was preceded in death by his son, Noel R. Burke; and two brothers, Max and Ron Burke. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, 11:00am, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2710 So. Monaco Parkway. Viewing prior to the services from 10:00-10:45am. Burial, Fort Logan National Cemetery at 1:00pm ""A"".