GAYLAND BURKE

Gayland Burke was born in Norwood, MO, on November 27th, 1930 to Thomas and Myrtle Burke. He was the youngest of four children and recalled a happy childhood where he was nurtured and loved.
Gayland attended Norwood School from first grade through high school graduation. When he wasn't studying, he was polishing his art skills sketching airplanes and cars. He also enjoyed the outdoors and loved the life of a country boy. Gayland was no stranger to hard work and spent some summers following the wheat harvest to earn his way in the world. One of his fondest memories was of a special trip through the Western United States with his parents. Desiring to serve his country, he enlisted in the Air Force following high school and served for four years, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He has always had much pride in his military service. Two of his grandsons have followed in his footsteps serving in the Air Force.
On August 28th, 1954, Gayland married his bride, Evelyn Gay Thomas in Norwood, MO. Soon after their marriage they moved to the Bahama Islands were Gayland worked as a weather observer for the Air Force and later for Pan Am. In 1956 Gayland and Gay moved to Kansas City, MO, so that Gayland could pursue his love of art at the Kansas City Art Institute where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Following his graduation, Gayland began a 32-year-long career at the Kansas City Star as an editorial artist. He was a perfectionist in his art work.
Gayland and Gay were blessed with 59 years of marriage and created a loving home. To this union two daughters were born, Denise Jeanne and Dawn Annette. Gayland was very proud of his daughters, and they were tremendously blessed to have him as their father. Gayland was a devoted family man who worked hard all of his life to provide for his family. He instilled in his children the qualities of honesty and integrity. He was the epitome of a true gentleman and his keen sense of humor will be greatly missed. The family has many warm memories of tent camping vacations, from Florida to Washington. DC., Canada, and many places in between. Gay and Gayland even traveled to La Paz, Bolivia, on two occasions to visit Denise's family when they were there doing mission work.
Gayland put on his Lord in baptism at the age of 30 and always strove to serve God faithfully. His walk with his Lord was deep and committed. He served as an elder in the church of Christ for 32 years in several congregations. His life of quiet service and faithfulness was an inspiration to many.
Gayland was a resident for the past 6 months at the Rehabilitation Center of Raymore where he received great care and attention and for that his family is eternally thankful.
Gayland departed this life and entered an even closer walk with his Lord on February 8, 2014 due to complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Myrtle Burke, sisters, Birdella Findley and Beryl Cale.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Evelyn Gay Burke of Raymore, MO, daughters: Denise and husband, Earl Fultz, of Pleasant Hill, MO, Dawn and husband, Bradly Hemphill, of Forgan, OK, grandchildren: Jordan and wife, Lydia Fultz, of Kansas City, MO, Bethany and husband, Jacob Spillman, of Little Rock, AR, Shannon Fultz of Pleasant Hill, MO, Adam Hemphill of Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Matthew Hemphill of Yukon, OK, great grandchildren: Emelyn Hope and Asher Lewis Spillman of Little Rock, AR. Gayland delighted in each grandchild as if it were his first. He is also survived by a brother, Leon, and wife, Alyene, of San Clemente, CA, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Gayland will be held 11:00 AM Friday, February 14, 2014 at Red Bridge Church of Christ 101 W. Red Bridge Rd. SW Corner Red Bridge & Wornall Kansas City, MO 64114. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Cullen Funeral Home 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, MO 64083. Burial with military honors will be held at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested contributions to the Alzheimer's Association 3846 W 75th St, Prairie Village, KS 66208.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278