It is with heavy hearts that we return to the Creator the soul of Sammy Joe Burke, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, on December 1, 2015.

Sammy was born in Odessa, Texas, on May 30, 1951, to Johnnie Faye and R. Burke, the second son of five, Jimmy being the eldest, followed by John, Jackie, and Bobby.Late in their lives, the boys discovered they had a half-sister, Linda, who has been a blessing to us all since she entered the family. Sam is survived by Gaylin Bishop, his step-father, who raised five boys to adulthood and guided them into the men they became. He is leaving behind his wife of forty years, Glenna, his two loving children, Joseph and Jessica, their significant others, Mandy and Chuck, and the three beautiful grandchildren who made his life cycle complete, Adalyn, Ivie, and Hardin. And a sister Linda.

Sammy graduated from Deer Park High School in Deer Park, Texas. He honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. His subsequent work life led him to the telecommunications industry, where he learned all aspects of outside plant construction. He ended his work career as an owner of a fiber optic business. Sam's true passion, however, was found in the soil of the earth. He had an innate ability to grow the most productive and spectacular gardens, filled with vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Gardens were grown in Wimberley, New Braunfels, and our home of almost three years, Blanco. Sam grew love in his gardens and he shared that love with all his family and friends. He meticulously prepared a seed catalog that will be his legacy, for his family will be able to plant his collected seeds and for many more years will be able to remember the enormous heart of the man who saved them. Sam's sudden departure left a hole in the hearts of his loved ones, but that hole will always be filled by the light of his love.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015, at 2:00 p.m., at Crofts-Crow Funeral Home, Mesquite at Tenth Street in Blanco, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests prayers for our military and, particularly, our veterans.