James Hoit Burke

Mr. James Hoit Burke 87, of DeAnn, Ark., passed away Sunday Nov. 18, 2012 in DeAnn, Ark. James Hoit was born Sept. 23, 1925 to Jessie Calvin and Annie Lowe Burke in DeAnn, Ark. He served in the US Army where he was awarded a Purple Heart, three Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He worked as a farmer and his family was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Hempstead County and was known as the "Watermelon Man" during the annual Watermelon Festival in Hope, Ark. He was a member of DeAnn United Methodist Church. Mr. Burke was preceded in death by his sister, Arlene Burke Willis and his great granddaughter, Savannah Grace Lee. Mr. Burke is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue Burke of DeAnn, Ark.; one son, James D. Burke and wife, Tina of Hope, Ark.; two daughters, Gail Burke Herron of Little Rock, Ark., and Robyn Burke Cornelius of Hope, Ark.; two brothers, Dr. Ralph Burke of Dallas, Texas and Johnny C Burke of Hot Springs, Ark.; three sisters, Belva June Glanton of Hope, Ark., Sue Roe of Santa Ana, Calif., and Ann Woodward of Magnolia, Ark.; six grandchildren, Chad Burke, Josh Burke, Whitney Herron, Allyson Burke Lee, Brooke Cornelius and Brant Cornelius; two great grandchildren, Emily Burke and Brad Burke. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Serenity Hospice, Lucille Hawthorne, and Melvin and Ruby Johnson for all of their loving care. Memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 at 3 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Hope. Following the memorial service there will be a celebration of life reception and visitation in the First United Methodist Fellowship Hall.