Williams, Burke Thayer

Burke Thayer Williams, 88, passed away at home with his wife 
Audrey at his side, Friday, May 13, 2010. Born in Boise, Idaho, 
on March 23, 1922, Burke was the second of two sons born to 
Alfred Lee and Mary Josephine Williams. He spent his early 
years in the rural area of Boise known at that time as Gary 
Station, which is now the site of the Plantation Golf Course. 
Burke attended grade and Middle school at Pierce Park and 
graduated from Boise High School in 1940. With the start of 
World War II, he decided to join the Navy and enlisted in 
September of 1942. He was ultimately assigned as a plane 
captain and gunner on PB4Y (B-24) Patrol Bomber aircraft. 
Burke flew 55 combat missions with the Blue Raiders squadron 
and saw action in the Marianas Islands, Palau, and the 
Philippines. He participated in bombing missions on enemy 
shipping near the Bonin Islands and Wake Island. During the 
course of his service Burke attained the rank of Aviation 
Machinist Mate 1st Class and was awarded the World War II 
Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Area 
(Asiatic-Pacific) combat ribbon with 3 stars, the Philippine 
Liberation Medal with 1 Star and 2 Air Medals. Burke met and 
married Margaret (Margie) Ball in May of 1945. He was 
discharged from the Navy in November of 1945 and their first 
daughter, Sandy, was born in San Diego, Calif. in 1946. Burke 
and Margie returned to Boise and their second daughter, 
Karen was born in 1948. A son, Burke Jr, followed in 1951. 
Margie passed away in 1958 and Burke spent the ensuing 
years working and raising his three children. Burke's training 
and experience as an aircraft engine mechanic led him to a 
career as a diesel mechanic and for many years until his 
retirement he worked for local trucking companies finally 
retiring from Willis Shaw in 1988. Burke married Rosalie Lane 
in 1972 and for the next 34 years they were constant 
companions. Burke was always at her side until her death in 
2006. Following Rose's passing, Burke became reacquainted 
with an old friend whom he hadn't seen in almost 50 years. 
Audrey Cutler and Burke were married in 2007. Burke always 
had a strong interest in all things mechanical and took a great 
deal of pleasure in teaching his children to ride motorcycles 
and appreciate the freedom that gave them. He was also a fan 
of Jaguar automobiles and spent many happy hours restoring 
an early sedan. On his 85th birthday Burke attained a lifelong 
dream by purchasing a Supercharged Jaguar sedan, which he 
and Audrey drove on many adventures. Over the years Burke 
enjoyed fishing and camping, especially with his children. His 
prowess on the baseball and kickball field was demonstrated 
on a regular basis while participating in games with his 
children in their large front yard. His son, Burke Jr., also has 
many fond memories of time spent on the Golf course with 
his dad. He was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars and in his later years a member of the "Over 40" 
dance club. Burke is survived by his wife Audrey of Boise, two 
daughters, Sandy Martin and Karen Williams (Jim Ball), one son, 
Burke Williams (Shirley), two step-daughters; Carole Conley 
and Tracy Young (Buzz), three step-sons, Jim Cutler (Carol), 
Art Hale (Rhetha), and David Cutler, 23 grandchildren, and 21 
great grandchildren. Burke Thayer Williams, a member of the 
"Greatest Generation@ and decorated veteran of World War II 
was a man of substance; honest, loyal and kind. He will be 
greatly missed by his wife, his family and a grateful nation. 
Memorial services preceding interment will be held at the 
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, 
Boise ID, 10 a.m., May 21, 2010, and at the First Presbyterian 
Church, 950 W. State St., Boise, ID, at 1 p.m., May 21, 2010.

Published in Idaho Statesman on May 19, 2010