Michael John Burken, 64, passed away at home on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, surrounded by his family after a long illness. Mike was born August 16, 1960, to Mary Arlene (Murphy) and John Arnold Burken in Davenport, Iowa. He was one of seven children. As a child his family moved to Minnesota, Georgia, Alabama, back to Minnesota, Arkansas, and finally to Carthage where he graduated from Carthage High School in 1978. He spent the rest of his life in Carthage.
Mike was a kind and gentle man as well as an artist. He loved animals, the outdoors, music, and enjoyed carving wood. He was interested in all things old- from history to arrowheads and antique glass bottles. He was well read and had a lifelong love of learning. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren. Mike spent his life in service to others at The Cerebral Palsy Center, Pinewood Nursery, and landscaping businesses. He ended his career as the owner and operator of Carthage Landscaping.
He was proceeded in death by his father, John Arnold Burken and his stepson, Damon Eley. He is survived by his mother, Mary Arlene Burken, daughter Amanda Millard (Eric), stepchildren Shawnda Eley and Jerod Eley; as well as siblings Greg Burken (Linda), Jolene Thompson (Keith), Susan Williams (Scott), Tony Burken (Courtney), Jennifer Burken (April Davis), Kathleen Burken (Josh Davenport), seven grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
His Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 17 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Stone’s Throw Theatre, 2466 Old 66 Blvd, Carthage, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, Mike’s final request included the following:
“This is what you can do for me,
Quit Smoking,
Give me a hug,
Plant a tree,
Smell the flowers,
Hold my hand,
Sing,
Pray for Peace,
Love.”
