Oscar Reed Burke

Oscar Reed Burke, 98, of Greencastle, PA, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at home with his family by his side. Born in McConnellsburg, PA on March 5, 1923, he was the son of the late Ervin Reed and Susan Virginia Brown Burke.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Burke served honorably during WWII, and patriotically earned two Bronze Star Medals and a Bronze Service Arrowhead Medal for his courageous participation in the amphibious assault on D-Day. He continued his service as the branch chief of the equipment pool at Letterkenny Army Depot until his retirement in 1980 after 34 years of service. He also worked for the First National Bank of Greencastle for 30 years. In addition, he worked 8 years for the Franklin County Transportation Department. Mr. Burke was a member of Bethel AME Church in Greencastle, PA, where he served on the Steward Board. He was a life member of the American Legion Post 373, and the Letort Star lodge #18, Carlisle, PA, where he was raised on December 20, 1962.  He served as Worshipful Master from 1993-1994. Additionally he served in the Shriners Himyar Temple #17, Harrisburg, PA, and Nimrod Consistory #9, Harrisburg, PA. An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Burke enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, watching CNN, and cultivating the fruit in his apple, peach and pear orchard. He also enjoyed traveling and watching WWII Movies.

He is survived by three daughters: Rita K. Burke of Downingtown, PA; Wanda J. Thomas (Jeffrey) of Downingtown, PA; and Linda R. Smith (Edward) of West Chester, PA; five grandchildren, Rachel B. Vitti (Nikolai), Vincent E. Smith (Jendayi), Aaron J. Thomas (Katie), Janine L. Smith, and Miles R. Burke; eight great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Gladys Saunders and Bernadine Sullivan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Katheryn O. Williams Burke; and siblings, Louise Westcott, Betty Warner, Dale Burke, and Marshall Burke.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 11:30 AM at the Harold M. Zimmerman and Son Funeral Home, Inc., 45 South Carlisle St. Pastor Bell McMullen will officiate the service. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Bethel AME Church, 235 S. Carlisle St., Greencastle, PA 17225.

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