The Marshfield Mail (Marshfield, Missouri), Thursday, 12 July, 1934, Page-5,
Zenar Items
UNCLE JOE BURKS DEAD

Tuesday night at 12:30 o'clock the Death Angel again visited in our midst and took away Uncle Joe Burks, an old settled who has resided in the community nearly all of his 74 years. So often he has made the remark that if he had an enemy on earth he didn't know it, and no night could be so dark or cold, but he would be glad to make any difficulty right. He served as treasurer of the West Finley church for a number of years. Seldom an association met but that he was one of the delegates and he was proud of the fact that until his health began to fail, a little over a year ago, he had only missed three business meetings.

Joseph A. Burks was born Jan. 21, 1860, in Webster county; died July 3, 1934, aged 74 years, 5 months, and 13 days. On March 26, 1880, he was united in marriage to Vica J. Clevenger, who preceded him in death 15 years ago. To this union were born three girls, Mrs. Will Dalton, and Mrs. Robert Wilson, of the home address, and Mrs. Chas. J. Tella, of Pomona, Calif.; also one son, John F. Burks, who passed away Sept. 30, 1929.

On March 7, 1928, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Icy Kelley, who his three children, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Dan Johnson, two brothers, Frank and Sam Burks, of Fordland; six step-children, and a host of relatives and friends survive him.

He was converted and joined the church at West Finley about 36 years ago; was ordained as a deacon a few years later. He lived a faithful Christian life, assumed his many responsibilities gladly and willingly--- a true life, a good example--one who loved God, his church and his cause.

Uncle Joe was laid to rest Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in West Finley cemetery, with Rev. Walter Goss of Seymour officiating. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Kelley and Starr.