“font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;”>On December 28, 1929, Leon Burke was born a twin to Lillie and Leon Burke, Sr. in
St. Louis, MO.
“font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;”>His parents; twin brother, Leonard; and sister, Doris preceded him in death.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>He attended Lincoln Elementary School and Sumner High School, where he played saxophone in the school band. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Tuskegee Institute and a Master’s Degree from Washington University.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Leon
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>married the love of his life, Angela Mary Clemens, on June 20, 1953. They were sweethearts in high school and remained inseparable through their 58 years of marriage. Three sons were born to this union: Leon III, Daryl and Houston. He was a devoted and loving husband and father.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>As a child, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ. In 1989, he became a member of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, where he actively served as Deacon, Elder and member of the Men’s Council.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Leon
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>served his country in the Air Force, stationed in Okinawa, Japan and was honorably discharged as a 2nd lieutenant in 1956.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>His first teaching assignment was with the St. Louis Public School System. From 1962-1994, he served as Area Coordinator for the Transition Services Department in the St. Louis County Special School District. He developed the first three work experience training sites for students with disabilities at a time when many believed that individuals with disabilities were not employable. As a result of Leon’s innovative approach to learning, there are now over 100 businesses in the city and county participating in this program.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>He was recognized with many awards for his standard of excellence and leadership skills, and gave generously of his time to the boards of several local groups and organizations. He served on the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners and served as chairman of the St. Louis County Municipal Police Academy Board of Managers. He retired in 2007.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Leon
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>was a faithful member of the Royal Vagabonds and the Oaks social clubs. He was a lover of jazz and an avid golfer, coordinating annual trips to Biloxi, MS for a group of golfers for a number of years.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Angela; children, Leon III (Olivia), Daryl and Houston; grandchildren, Esther Strobel (Scott), Matthew, Noel, Angela, Laura, Veronica and Victoria; great-grand-daughter, Maia; siblings, Alverne Hood (Thomas), Shirley of West Bloomfield, MI and Marilyn; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
