Robert Thomas Burkes

Robert (Itty) Thomas Burkes a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away on Sunday May 22nd of Cancer at the age of 87. Robert attended and was baptized at South Hill Church of Christ which later became Hart Street Church of Christ. The son of Charles S. Burkes and Annie S. (Jordan) Burkes, Robert T. Burkes grew up in Nashville Tennessee. He was born on May 25th, 1934 in Nashville Tennessee and attended Nashville Christian Institute, Fisk University and later received a B.A in Criminal Justice at California State University of Fullerton in 1980. In April of 1951 at the age of 17, Robert enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He received a Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star and ROK Presidential Unit Citation, 5 Good Conduct Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VII Campaign Medal. Master Sergeant Robert Thomas Burkes later retired honorably after over 20 years of service. After retiring from the army he worked for Union Oil Company first as an Administrative Assistant then Distribution Assistant/Customer Relations from 1973 to 1989 Robert was friendly, kind and had an easy going personality. He enjoyed taking drives to local parks, beaches, traveling and listening to music. Robert leaves to remember him, Huyen Burkes (ex-wife), Tran (Burkes) Rojas (daughter), Julian Burkes (son), Johnathan Burkes (son), Robert T. Burkes Jr. (son), Donald Burkes Sr. (son), Paul Burkes (son), grandchildren Anthony Rojas, Michael Rojas, Gabriella Rojas, Julian Burkes Jr., Jaden Burkes, Chantel Burkes, Dominique Burkes, Donnie Burkes Jr., Devin Burkes, Mya Burkes , Charles (Buddy) W. Burkes (brother), Anita (Curtis Sr.) Rice (aunt/sister) and many nieces, nephews and cousins and friends. Service Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary 951-687-0551 | Thursday 6/23, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518 Thursday 6/23, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm