Truman Burke's Obituary
Truman Burke, 91, of Tavares, FL, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, following complications from congestive heart failure.
Truman was a devoted husband, proud father, and cherished grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife Emma; their children, Michael (Brenda), Timothy (Sue), Pamela (Tom), and Brian (Alison); and grandchildren, Benjamin, Isabelle, Dane, and Johnny. Truman is also survived by his sisters Judy O’Neal (Skeeter) and Jean Carol Bredin (Woody), along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his siblings Acy Burke, Frona Shelton, Nona Smith, Norella Dean Burke, Shirley Johnson, Delmar Burke, Jr., and Anthony Burke.
Born in Virgie, Kentucky, he was the son of P. Delmar and Edna M. Burke. In 1955, Truman married his high school sweetheart, Emma (Coleman) Burke, and together they left the hills of eastern Kentucky for Washington, D.C., beginning a life journey that would take them to Michigan, New Jersey, and Florida. The couple recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
After proudly serving in the U.S. Army as a military police officer, Truman embarked on a distinguished career in federal law enforcement. Over the years he served as a Special Agent with the FBI, a Special Investigator for the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, and later as Regional Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
After retiring to Tavares in 1989, Truman pursued new passions. He started a successful boat motor repair business, enjoyed many rounds of golf, and never missed a chance to cheer for his favorite NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt. He found joy in seafood dinners, the thrill of a jackpot at the slot machines, and good-naturedly supervising “friends and family” on his many home projects. With kind heart and quick wit, Truman’s sense of humor brought smiles to many.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 12:00PM until 1:00PM at Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home, Tavares. A Funeral Service will follow in the funeral home's chapel at 1:00PM. Entombment will take place at Lakeside Memory Gardens, Eustis. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at https://www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
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