Mr. John Leon Burke

Mr. John Leon Burke was born on February 4, 1953 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Leon Porter and Claudia Burke. He made a peaceful transition from this life on June 28, 2025 at the age of 72 years with his wife by his side. John was a resident of Saginaw, Michigan for over 60 years. He was raised in Mt. Olive Institutional Missionary Baptist Church and accepted Christ at an early age. He attended Saginaw Public Schools, graduating from Saginaw High in 1971. That same year he became employed at Malleable Iron Foundry Div. General Motors Corp. and was a member of UAW Local #455 for 36 years. John and Lorna Suggs were joined in Holy Matrimony on October 2, 1987. Together they raised three sons, Reginald Morris, Matthew and Brandon Burke. John was known for his strong personality, kind spirit, quiet confidence and quick laugh. John, when and if asked, would be the first to offer assistance or make a contribution. His kindness, generosity and love for his family will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He built relationships and made memories that can’t be replaced. His interests in tinkering on old cars and fishing were hobbies he learned from his grandparents and uncle. He also, enjoyed sports, especially football and basketball. He and a close friend were the “statisticians” for their favorite Michigan and Indiana teams. Their passing on of this information often lead to many lively, but friendly, conversations. What he loved most was spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling, especially if family was involved. Where they were, so was he! Cooking and playing cards were also favorite pastimes. Mr. Burke leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 37 years, Lorna Burke; two sons, Matthew B. Burke, Detroit, MI and Brandon Burke, Grand Rapids, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Regine and Travoy Morris, Kira, Kaya, MiAngel, Quirke, Moriah, and A’Nylah Burke; one great-grandchild, Ty’Rieke Burke; two sisters, Alice and Loria Hatcher both of Saginaw; special cousins, Francis Stewart and Valerie Packard; nieces and nephews, Cherie Williams and Katrina Hardin-Rutland, Michael Williams, Alishia and Diamond Hatcher, DaVante Davis and Miguel Sanchez, Shontoria Hatcher, Ra’Niya and A’Nija Holmes; sister-in-law, Linda Suggs; a host of other relatives and friends, including the Morris family; special friends, Billy Nelson, Alfred Kelly, Ronald Reece, Sr., Eric Williams and Henry Johnson. Mr. John L. Burke was preceded in death by a son, Reggie Morris; father, Leon Porter; mother, Claudia Burke; brother, James Williams; sister, Mary Williams; grandparents, Ray and Alice Hale; aunt, Arnita Hatcher; special cousin, Ernest and George Osborne and many other relatives. The family would like to express special thanks to Residential Home Care and Visiting Nurses. Family Hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2025 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607, with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Curtis Johnson will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Mr. John Leon Burke

February 4, 1953 - June 28, 2025