Orrin Maurice Burke

Orrin Maurice Burke, age 84, of Independence, MO, formerly of Salem, OR and Port Orchard, WA, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014.

Orrin was born May 11, 1929 to Orrin Earl and Belva Viola (Shipley) Burke in Cloverdale, Tillamook County, OR. He attended South Kitsap High School in Bremerton, WA, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Radio Operator 3rd Class during the Korean War on the battleship USS New Jersey (BB62), then worked as a communications apprentice in the Bremerton Naval Shipyard for 5 years. He was an active volunteer at the Salem (OR) and Keiser (OR) Senior Centers before moving to Independence, MO where he was a member of the American Legion Post #21.

Orrin was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, John Marc Bridges. His survivors include his two daughters, Cynthia Bridges of Independence, MO and Arlene Driskell and husband, Doug of Lee’s Summit, MO; five grandchildren: Ginger Driskell Birch and husband, Michael of Lee’s Summit, MO; Rosie Driskell Fyffe and husband, James of Kansas City, MO; Ben Driskell and wife, Sarah of Independence, MO; Jennifer Bridges of Independence, MO and Tom Bridges of Independence, MO; four great grandchildren: Aaron Michael Bridges, Julien Reed Fyffe, Harper James Fyffe, and Zoey Mae Bridges. He is also survived by one brother, Claude Burke of Everett, WA; and two sisters: Phebe Pedersen of North Richland Hills, TX and Roberta Morris of Lynden, WA.

Private services will be held Tueday, May 13, 2014 at Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery, Higginsville, MO.

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