Johnny Parks Burke, 81, died peacefully Saturday, December 31, 2016 in The Woodlands, TX, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his sister Billie Sue Smith. His son, Steve and wife Amy Burke along with his daughters Cynthia Burke, Rebecca Burke and Melanie Burke. Johnny also is survived by his grandchildren Jeremy and Anna Willis, Ashlie and Ben Bickford, Jason and Michelle Kornegay, Kindra and J.R. Benge, Victoria Havens, Wes Burke, Chase Burke, Brittny and Biff Knight, John David Hicks, Courtney and John Findley and Chance Walker. His legacy includes 16 great grandchildren as well as his two best friends Dan Gallard and Brian Blackstock. Dan's children, Travis and Jessica will also miss their beloved "PawPaw". Johnny leaves behind his stepchildren Taylor Gibson, Ashley Gibson and their mother, Karen. He will be missed by numerous cousins, family, friends and employees. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty Jo Ann Burke as well as his mother and father, Minnie Lee and Franklin Parks Burke, and more recently, his brother Horace Burke.

Born September 21, 1935 in Elkhart, Texas, Johnny grew up loving life. As a kid he ran the hills of Elkhart before moving to Houston to marry his beautiful wife Betty. Soon after their marriage, they began a family. Together, he and Betty Jo started the successful business known as Burke's Upholstery. Johnny ran Burke's for over 60 years up until his final days. He loved each of his employees and was forever thankful to them for their loyalty and commitment that adds to the success of Burke's Upholstery.

Johnny was known to live life to the fullest. He traveled, he fished, he loved the outdoors. He enjoyed genealogy and having his loved ones close. Every weekend you would find him at his ranch in Elkhart. There, he cherished his time with his kids and grandkids. Johnny spent his days tending to his cows and horses and relaxing on his porch after a long day spent working on his tractor. Johnny hand built many houses throughout the years. There wasn't anything he could not do. He was a mans man but had a heart of gold. He loved history and fiercely loved his family. He never spoke an ill word about anyone and always had a story to tell and a joke to share. He was generous, brutally honest, a hard worker and kind. He had a quiet relationship with his savior Jesus. He never boasted and was a hero to many.

Johnny will be missed. He was a friend to everyone he met. A strong business man, father and grandfather. A PawPaw to many. We will miss you.

Arrangements for Johnny Burke are as follows. Services will be led by Pastor Bubba Miller of Branded For Christ Cowboy Church.

Viewing:

Wednesday, January 4, 2017 5-8 pm

Klein Funeral Home

16131 Champion Forest Dr

Spring, TX 77379

Services:

Thursday, January 5, 2017 10 am

Klein Funeral Home

16131 Champion Forest Dr

Spring, TX 77379

Graveside Services immediately following at Pilgrim Cemetery in Elkhart, TX at 2:00 pm

Reception following at

The Willis Residence

2030 ACR 125

Elkhart, TX 75839

Directions: From Elkhart, TX drive west on State Hwy 294. At Farm Road 319 turn left; and at Farm Road 861 turn left again. The cemetery is approximately 2.5 miles and is divided by Farm Road 861