George Burke was a child of God, husband, father, grandfather, educator and guitar player.

George went to be with his heavenly father on January 8, 2025 at the age of 76 in New Braunfels, TX after a courageous battle with Parkinson's. He was born on June 19, 1948, in Summit, N.J., but claimed to be a Texan by marriage, choice, and by the Grace of God. George attended Summit High School through his junior year and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School, Kansas City in 1966. He attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences. While at SMU, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He had the privilege of living with a family in Peru through an exchange program. He served in the Army Reserves, active duty training as an advanced medic. During this time he began performing music regularly, playing his guitar and singing for live crowds, which he would do occasionally for the rest of his life. He then earned a Master's degree in Health Care Adminstration from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. George completed an administrative residency with Memorial Baptist Hospital System in Houston.

In Houston, he met Alexis Frances Maitland on a blind date. She was his best friend and the love of his life. They were married in 1975, and lived in Houston for nine years during which time their first two children, Luke and Sarah, were born. George was an Assistant Administrator for eight years with St. Luke's Episcopal and Texas Children's Hospitals and the Texas Heart Institute. George enrolled part-time at the University of Texas School of Public Health and was awarded a Doctorate in Public Health.

In 1984, Dr. Burke was hired as an Assistant Professor by Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State, in the Department of Healthcare Administration. The Burkes chose New Braunfels as their home. Their son, Jonny, was born in New Braunfels. New Braunfels was good to the Burkes and was a great place to raise their children. George enjoyed the simple joys – dates with Alexis at the Gristmill, feeding ducks at Landa Park, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was active at New Braunfels Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, choir member, Family Promise volunteer and member of the Men of the Church. He visited home-bound members as part of the Congregational Care Committee and loved playing the guitar at nursing homes. Dr. Burke served for eight years on the Board of Trustees for the McKenna Memorial Hospital. He served as a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children in foster care.

Dr. Burke found teaching to be his calling and was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching. His area of interest was public health and epidemiology. Dr. Burke retired after 25 years as a full professor and was named Professor Emeritus. He was a Life Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

George was affectionately known as "Bop" to his grandchildren, singing to them (whenever they would allow it) "You've got a friend in me." When asked how he was doing, he replied "blessed." He accomplished little of his own accord, he said, but rather was lifted on the shoulders of others – soared on wings like eagles.

George was preceded in death by parents George C. Burke, Jr. and Helen M. Burke.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years Alexis Burke of New Braunfels; son Luke Burke of Tiburon, CA; daughter Sarah Lemmons (Mark) of New Braunfels, son Jonny Burke of Buda, and grandchildren Garrett Batcheler, Molly Batcheler, Wyatt Burke, and Dylan Burke, and grandchildren by marriage Daley, Jacob, and Greenley Lemmons; his sisters, Patti Kuhn and Bonnie Kay (Steve), as well as dear cousins, nieces and nephews and his best friend, Manard Ivy.

Special thanks to the staff and caregivers at The Village of Garden Ridge Assisted Living who became like family these past 10 months.

A service will be held at New Braunfels Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in George's honor to New Braunfels Presbyterian Church or to the Parkinson's Foundation. His ashes will be spread among bluebonnets in the Texas Hill Country.