Burke C. Gibson

Burke C. Gibson was granted his life's desire to be in the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 10, 2023. Burke was born on October 21, 1923, in the Gilkerson community. Burke joins his family who have gone before him, including his father, William "Wid" Gibson and mother, Martha Belle Gibson Duncan, step-father John Duncan, sisters, Julia Mae Gibson Stevenson,  Joyce Gibson Mitchell, Lois Gibson, brothers, Buel Gibson, George Gibson, his half- brother, Alvis, “Dub” Gibson, his half-sisters, Alma Gibson Harris, Billie Duncan Griffin, his step-brothers Herman Duncan, Wilford "Till" Duncan,  John “Pug” Duncan, Floyd "Shorty" Duncan, Charles Duncan, his step sisters,  Jessie Mae Duncan Fisher, Jeweldene Duncan MacMillan and Ina Pearl Duncan Norquay.

Burke is survived by his wife Katherine Berger Gibson. They were married on April 4, 1948, and recently celebrated their 75th anniversary.  He is also survived by his son Ken (Cindy) Gibson of Jonesboro, their children Lauren (Chris) Starnes of Jonesboro and Lee (Katherine) Gibson of Benton, AR, his son Brian (Michele) Gibson of Lakeway, TX, their children Mallory (Reed) Baker of Austin, TX, Mark (Margaret) Gibson of Austin, TX and 4 great-grandchildren, Lawson, Matthew, Mandy and George. Burke is also survived by his sister Bobbie Gibson Armstrong, half-sisters, Jane Duncan Lincoln (Ralph), Linda Duncan Ellis (Warren) his half- brother, Jim Duncan (Judy) and several nieces and nephews.

Burke served his country in World War II from 1944 to 1946 in the 330th Engineering Regiment in Company D. After receiving his training in Engineer Mechanical Equipment School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia as a Technician 5, Burke traveled to Burma for 15 months in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. He received the Bronze Medal, Campaign Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and 2 Overseas Service Bars. He held membership both in the American Legion Post #21 and the Disabled American Veterans Association.

Burke was active in his service to God at Strawfloor Baptist Church as an Usher, Sunday School Superintendent and Chairman of the Building Committee. If the lights were on at church, Burke was there. Later, he attended Highland Drive Baptist Church and then Burke served as an usher at First Baptist Church.

Burke began working at General Electric in 1955 in Refrigeration Maintenance and retired in 1986 after 31 years of service. In retirement, he enjoyed vegetable gardening, raising livestock, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Burke's true love was for his family. Nothing brought a brighter smile to his face than to be surrounded by those he loved. He was always willing to help someone with whatever needed to be done.  He never said no to someone in need. Burke was a great example of what it means to be a servant.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Ross Burton officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.