Dr. Christopher H. Burkey
1952-2017
Christopher Hugh Burkey, age 64, died Wednesday, May 24, 2017, from pancreatic cancer. He was born on October 12, 1952, in Cushing Oklahoma. He was a long time resident of Edmond, Oklahoma. Chris served in the U.S. Army for three years after graduating from Cushing High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science and his Master of Education degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma, and his doctorate from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Burkey was a dedicated professor for the students enrolled in the funeral service program at the University of Central Oklahoma for 25 years. He retired in 2015. For many years, Chris was active in long distance bike races, including the “Hotter ‘N Hell” and the Red Bud classic. He coached his children in soccer, and played soccer himself as an adult. Chris enjoyed long road trips with his wife Sandra, and had visited 48 of the 50 states at the time of his death. Chris was a U.S. Civil War enthusiast and spent his last vacation exploring Gettysburg. Chris also loved surprise filled special vacations with his beloved grandchildren. Chris was a loving, generous friend, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and husband, and he will be greatly missed.
Chris is survived by his loving wife Sandra, his devoted son Conor with whom he had an extraordinarily close relationship, his two daughters, Natalie and Nicole. and his step-daughter Nicole Morris and her husband Brian. Chris was a wonderful and loving grandfather to Katelyn, Connor and Chase Morris, and they were a very precious part of his life. Chris is also survived by Skip and Donna Burkey, and their sons Zack and Dane, his in-laws Kerman and Virginia Franklin, Susie and Earl Schwager, Pat and Steve Rippon, and Gene and Tina Franklin, along with many nieces and nephews and other loving relatives.
A memorial service will be held at Coles Garden, 1415 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.
Pancreatic cancer is a terrible, deadly disease, and more funding needs to be committed to finding an early diagnosis method and cure. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN) at www.pancan.org.
Chris and I spent many hours in “OLD NORTH” and even carpooled a couple of semesters. A special man I called friend, my thoughts and prayers to the family.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Burkey. He was the chair of the Funeral Service program at UCO back in 2003-2004 while I was there. I had Funeral Home Management I and II, as well as a few other classes that he taught. He was a great leader and professor and I enjoyed being in his classes. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
I was saddened to hear of Chris’ death and send sincere condolences to his family. I knew Chris both as a student in many of my classes and later as a colleague at UCO and have good memories of the times we worked together. There are no easy words to heal the pain and loss but may God bless you during the difficult days ahead.
You will be missed Dr. Burkey, you taught me a great deal about the funeral business and I had the utmost respect for you.
Wesley VanMeter