Donald “Don” Alan Burke Jr., 74, of Front Royal, VA, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.
Born on July 15, 1952 in Front Royal, VA, he was the son of Donald “Red” Alan Burke Sr. and Anna Belle Jennings.
During his lifetime, Don held a variety of careers to include Installer for AMF Bowling, a Dispatcher and Patrolman for the Winchester Police Department, Sergeant and Underwater Rescue Diver at the Front Royal Police Department, Purchasing Agent at Riverton Corporation, and Real Estate Broker and Contractor for Blue Ridge Properties, Curzio Construction, and DTSR Construction. In retirement he served as a Public Notary for various loan signing companies. He was also a recreational pilot.
Don was a member of the former First Assembly of God where over the years he held positions as Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and member of the church board. He most recently attended Dynamic Life Praise and Worship Center.
Don was a people-person who loved relaxing in his recliner surrounded by his dogs. Never one to dress up, he could always be seen wearing his signature blue jeans, solid color t-shirt (front pocket required), and tennis shoes.
Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shari Wines Burke; his daughter, Megan Atkins (Jason); his son, Zach Burke; his daughter, Whitney Cooke (Bobby); his grandsons, Hunter Atkins and Colton Cooke; granddaughter, Juliyana Hough; sister, Donna Muller; and various nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon Striker.
A memorial service will be officiated by Pastor David Sterling and Pastor Elvi Rogers and held on Friday, August 28 at noon at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal. Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Panorama Memorial Gardens. For those planning to attend please dress in your best blue jeans and shirt; he would want it that way.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Burke, Colton Cooke, Ron Payne, Jason Atkins, Ricky Atkins, and Darrell Johnston.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Blue Ridge Care at https://give.blueridgecare.org/donate/main-donation-page.
Shari, Megan, Zach and Whitney — My thoughts and prayers are with you. No words can ease the pain of grief but may the memories you hold fill your heart and, in time, ease some of the loss that you will feel. Just know that I am here if you need anything. Hugs and love to you all.
Sorry for your loss. I could’ve swore he had another son or two.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for everyone including Bryan and Eric Burke too
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Please accept my condolences.
My deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Cecilia smith (Sissy)
Whitney, so sorry to read about your father’s death. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy.
Aljune Lee
My deepest condolences to Shari and family. Words cannot fill the emptiness you have now, but the lord can. Turn to him for comfort. – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Dear Shari, Megan, Zach, and Whitney
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know life has separated us during the past several years, but Donald’s passing brought back happy memories of all the fun we used to have together. I pray that God will help you through this difficult time. I love you guys.
Linda Neighbors
Shari,Megan,Zachary and Whitney prayers and love during this difficult time.
Brother give Uncle Red and Aunt Anna Belle a hug from me and when you meet up with your Aunt Charlotte and cousin Rhonda tell them Becky misses them terribly. Rest in Paradise Brother 🙏