"John Burke, 57, Mine Inspector Peabody #10, Dies"

John P. Burke, 57, of Kincaid died at 11:40 p.m. Monday, January 10, 1972, at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital, where he had been a patient for over a month. He had been in failing health for the past year.

Mr. Burke was born May 24, 1914 in Pawnee, the son of Michael and Ada Alice (Manuel) Burke. He married Florence Bell on August 11, 1934 in Springfield. Mr. Burke worked as a coal miner at Peabody Coal Mine #7 in Kincaid from 1931 to 1952, during which time he served four consecutive terms as mine pit committeeman from 1944 to 1952. He later worked as a mine inspector at Peabody Coal Mine #10 in Pawnee for 10 years. Mr. Burke owned and operated Johnny’s Tavern in Kincaid from 1952 to 1955. He was a member of St. Rita's Catholic Church in Kincaid. Mr. Burke was also a member of the United Mine Workers of America.

Surviving are his wife, Florence; four daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Barbara) Bucshon, Ms Carol Sue Hyslope and Ms. Kathleen Burke, all of Kincaid, and Mrs. William (Elizabeth) Hager of Taylorville; one son, Phillip (wife, Terry) Burke of Kincaid; 12 grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Clifford (Margaret) Freeman of Port Richey, Florida, Ms Betty Borgognoni of Kincaid and Ms. Patricia Grace of Herrin; five brothers, Patrick (wife, Margaret) Burke of Kincaid, Bernard (wife, Mary) Burke and Joseph William (wife, Lois) Burke, both of Farmersville, Charles (wife, Jean) Burke of Taylorville and Robert (wife, Roberta) Burke of Joliet; one half-brother, Michael Sr. (wife, Mary) Burke of Backworth, England; 12 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Burke; and one half-brother, James Burke.

Funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 13, 1972, at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Kincaid. Father James Hughes officiated, with burial following at Calvary Cemetery in Pawnee. Masterson & McManus Funeral Home, in Kincaid, was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Jethro Fiaone, John Corsiatto, Alfonse Verardi, Dwight Giesing, Frank Bucshon and Jack Tilley.