RONALD WILKINS "RON" BURKE, age 73, of New Holland, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 11:32 p.m. at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 22, 1944 in Fayette County to Charles "Charlie" and Urcell Wilkins Burke. He was a 1962 graduate of Bloomingburg High School. After high school, Ron attended The Ohio State University where he studied Agriculture; he was a graduate of Southern State Community College where he studied Law Enforcement; and was also a graduate of Hondros College where he studied Real Estate. Ron proudly served his country in the US Air Force for six consecutive years. He and his brother, Don, began their careers as dairy farmers in Fayette County; Ron was also employed with the Fayette County Sherriff's Office; and had worked as a realtor with Lewis & Langley Reality for more than thirty years. Ron was a member of the Aladdin Shriners International, the Bloomingburg Masonic Lodge #449 of Free and Accepted Masons, and was also a twelve year member of the Fayette County Fair Board. He enjoyed volunteering in the community, traveling with his wife, auction hunting, and being with his family and grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean Burden; and brother, Don Burke.

Survivors include his wife, Mel Daugherty Burke, whom he married on June 16, 1998; son, Ryan (Aileen) Burke; step-children, Terry (Ruth) Lovett, Tracy (Chris) Haynes, Tiffany (John Angeletti) Lovett, and Tawnya Lovett; grandchildren, Brandon Lovett, Ashley (Travis Burden) Lovett, Chloe Lovett, Toby Lovett, Macie Pauley, Molly Thackston, Devon Haynes, Dakota Haynes, Gaven Campos, Luis Campos, Gabriel Campos, Xavier Lovett, and Sabrina Cruz; great-granddaughter, arriving in October; brother-in-law, Earl Burden; niece, Regina (Eddie) Swanson; and nephew, Eric (Linda) Burden. Also surviving are several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fayette County Fairgrounds Fine Arts Building, 213 Fairview Ave., Washington CH, OH 43160, with Joy Stanforth and John Pfeifer officiating with burial to follow at the Bloomingburg Cemetery. Friends may visit at the Fairgrounds on Wednesday evening from 4-8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Ohio's Hospice of Fayette County, 222 N. Oakland Ave., Washington CH, OH 43160 or the Fayette County Agricultural Society, P.O. Box 1017, Washington CH, OH 43160.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Summers Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com

Viewing

Summers Funeral Home

Wednesday August 15th, 2018

4:00pm - 8:00pm

223 W Market St Washington Court House , OH 43160

Viewing

Fayette County Fairgrounds Fine Arts Building

Thursday August 16th, 2018

10:00am - 11:00am

213 Fairview Ave Washington Court House , OH 43160

Funeral Service

Fayette County Fairgrounds Fine Arts Building

Thursday August 16th, 2018

11:00am

213 Fairview Ave Washington Court House , OH 43160