Family Histories
Cochran County, Texas
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JACK BURKE
Jack was born in Hempstead County, Arkansas, on June 18, 1907. The sixth child born to Robert E. Lee and Sudie Burke. They left Arkansas when Jack was about twelve years old.
Jack came with his family to Cochran County from Quannah, Texas. They arrived here in late 1927, the boys driving two covered wagons, their parents and sisters in a Chevrolet. His father came to this area after the Chamber of Commerce in Lamb County
advertised for farmers. After arriving in Litlefield, Mr. Burke decided to move his family to Morton. When they arrived here, they farmed what is now the Gene Benham farm. They also traded horses and mules for a living.
Jack married Iva Mae Lackey on March 1, 1930, in Portales, New Mexico. The first year they were married, they helped Iva's father homestead land at White City, New Mexico. Other than that period of time, they have lived
their married life here in Cochran County.
Jack and Iva have raised four sons, C. E. "Buster" Stevens, Kenneth Lee, Dennison DeWayne and Penn Tom Burke. All four boys attended Moton Schools. After years of living away, Kenneth and Penn Tom have returned.
C. E. "Buster" married Doris Wages at the Missionary Baptist Church on August 20, 1949. Buster and Doris have three children, Ann, DeWana, and Shelton Earl who is deceased. Buster and Doris have resided in Cranfills Gap, Texas for
most of their married lives.
Ann is married to Jerryj Dietrich. They have three children, Jamie, Jennie and James Cody. They live in Benbrook, Texas. DeWana married Anthony McMillian and they have three children, Shane, Kimberly, and Leigh Ann. They reside at Waxahachie, Texas.
Kenneth married Shirley Jean York, July 21, 1951 at Portales, New Mexico. They have three children, Patricia, Donna and Angela. "Patty" married Ronnie Bell. They have three girls, Crystal, Yvette, and Shirley. At present they
reise at Watauka, Texas. Donna married Herschel Lamar of Morton. Their children are Derek and Tanji who attend Morton Schools. Angie married Barry Key and they have two children Eddie and April. Both of the children are presently in school at Morton.
DeWayne married Shirley Jean Underwood on October 2, 1952 and have lived in Sapulpa, Oklahoma for many years. DeWayne and Shirley have two sons, Michael DeWayne and Dustin Lee. Dustin is attending school in Sapulpa and Michael is employed in Tulsa.
Penn Tom married Mary Elizabeth Richardson on June 26, 1966. They spent several years in Dalhart, Texas before returning to Morton to live. Penn and Mary and two sons, Nicky Lane and Jimmy Jack. Nick has married Melissa Ruthardt and they
consider Morton their home while Nick serves in the Marine Corps. Jimmy is currently a sophomore at Morton High School.
Since they have retired, Jack and Iva spend many hours fishing and traveling. They take trips to see DeWayne and Buster at every opportunity. Jack and Iva enjoy their friends here in Cochran County and visit them when they can.
This has always been their home and will continue to be so in the coming years.
Submitted by Mary Burke
This family history came from Cochran County Legacy Vol. II Copyright Cochran County Historical Commission. Used with permission
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