Mr. King Solomon Burke, age 90, of Hanover, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at his residence. Born March 2, 1921 in Pikeville, Kentucky, he was the son of Hatton and Elizabeth Roberts Burke.

Mr. Burke moved to Madison on November 1, 1966 from Hodgenville, Kentucky and immediately began his employment with Tri-Point Old Company as a truck driver, retiring in 1983. He was also a farmer. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a paratrooper in 82nd Airborne, 508th Division. He also served in Army Intelligence and as security and driver for General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Hanover, Jefferson Post #9, American Legion and a lifetime member of VFW Post #1969, both in Madison. Mr. Burke enjoyed gardening, yard sales, reading and refinishing furniture. He and his late wife also cared for 112 foster children during their marriage.

Survivors include four daughters: Barbara Brown of Madison, Brenda Ellis and her husband, Darrell of Hanover, Beverly Wibbels and her husband, Thomas of Corydon, Indiana, and Chrissy Robertson and her husband David of Pensacola, Florida; one son, Chris Burke and his wife, Starr; ten grandchildren; and several great and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, the former Edna F. Jones on February 14, 1998, and to whom he was married on January 10, 1945 in Owenton, Kentucky; one son, Bruce Burke on March 8, 1995; three brothers; four sisters; and one son-in-law, Harold Brown.

The Reverend Mike Johnson will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Lytle Funeral Chapel, with interment to follow in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Friends and family may call at the Lytle Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 PM Friday, February 24, 2012 and from 9 to 11 Am Saturday.

The Honor Guard of Jefferson Post #9, American Legion will conduct military graveside services. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Cornerstone Baptist Church. Contribution envelopes are available at the funeral home.

(courtesy of Johnnie Zollinger)

King enlisted in the Army at Cincinnati, OH on 6 October 1942.

Cpl Burke was wounded in action on 8 June 1944 in Normandy, France.

He was evacuated to a field hospital and hen transferred to another facility, probably in the UK, on 19 Jun 1944.  He was able to return to his unit in August.

Cpl Burke's military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal. Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Service Arrowhead device awarded for participation in Normandy assault.