Robert Joseph Burke

Robert Joseph Burke, 84, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Friday, January 13, 2023, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia, Mo. He was born January 16, 1938, in Warrensburg, MO, the son of Helen Vanessa (Hughes) and Joseph Folk Burke, who preceded him in death.

On May 10, 1968, in La Monte, MO, he was united in marriage to Donna Kay Lysinger, who resides in the home.

Bob was raised and educated in La Monte. He graduated from La Monte High School in 1955, where he was President of his class and a standout basketball player. He formed and played on a traveling basketball town team until knee injuries forced him to switch to golf. Both basketball and golf were huge parts of his life. He was known to challenge coaches, students, and teachers to one-on-one until he no longer could – then he switched to free throws. He usually won! Later in life, he could be found at the golf course any time the weather was decent enough, no matter the time of year until he was no longer able. No one had a better-looking yard than Bob. If he wasn't on the course, you could find him mowing, trimming, or picking up sticks. His yard was his pride and joy.

Bob served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 1960-1966. He worked at Inter-State Studio for 55 years. Bob was integral in fostering relationships between the traveling salesmen and the plant. Bob traveled multi states assisting with photography and training. He always took care of the photography in Sedalia. Starting in the late 1980s, Bob began taking photos throughout central Missouri, forging powerful relationships that last to this day.

Bob was a JayCee International Senator and went door to door, encouraging the community to support the development of a Community College in Sedalia.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kay of Sedalia; daughters, Launa (Tina Brooke) of Carrollton and Christina (Allen) of Sweet Springs; one brother, Larry Burke of Fleming Island, FL; five grandchildren, Cybill Christine Stewart (Matt), Dakota Dalton White, Trevor Burke Phillips, Emily Morgan Phillips, and Wade Allen Phillips; and two great-grandchildren, Kade Erickson Stewart and Reid Eli Stewart.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Angela McCasland.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Pastor Dennis Harper officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the funeral chapel.

The burial will be at La Monte Cemetery, La Monte, MO.

Casket bearers will be Allen Phillips, Trevor Phillips, Emily Phillips, Wade Phillips, Cybill Stewart, and Dakota White.

Honorary bearers will be Kade Stewart and Reid Stewart.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or State Fair Community College Athletic Booster Club.