The White Mountain Independent,
Show Low, Arizona - 05/28/2004
He was born to pioneer parents. William attended Elementary School in St. Johns and the family then moved to Round Valley and he graduated from Round Valley High School. He was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States for two years.
He returned to the White Mountains and began courting Launa Hulsey whom he had known from their youth. They were married June 11, 1934 in the Salt Lake Temple, they lived in Los Angeles for three years, but longed for the White Mountains and returned to live in Nutrioso. He served as Bishop of the Nutrioso Ward for two years then they moved to Eagar. He was working for Becker Motors in Springerville.
William was the parts man and car salesman for over 40 years. Bill was also a cattle rancher all of his life, and enjoyed going out riding with the cattle until his health kept him from doing so. He took his last ride into the mountains with members of his family just the week before he passed away. William was also a musician and played the saxophone and clarinet. He played them in the "Bill Burk's Orchestra" for many years. They played and danced all over Apache and Navajo Counties, and also at the Mezona in Mesa.
Mr. Burk was a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was a High Priest in the Springerville Ward.
Mr. Burk is survived by his wife of 70 years Launa; one son, William Fredrick (Jerri) of Grants, New Mexico; daughters, Myrna (Dick) Udall of Eagar, Charlene (Lynn) Alexander of Spokane, Washington, Glenda Burk of Phoenix, Marilyn (Ron) Cole of Mesa, Beverly Rae (Jerry) Campeau of Springerville, Pamela Jane (Bill) Ghormley of Snowflake; 37 grandchildren; 64 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Alexander.