Chet L. Burks

Chester L. “Chet” Burks, 88, of Vernon passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Salem Township Hospital. He was born on May 26, 1934, the son of Benjamin Franklin and Goldie (Hoobery) Burks in Mt. View, Missouri. He married the love of his life, Deloris June Rutledge on May 26, 1952, in Hardy, Arkansas and she preceded him in death on March 29, 2015.

Survivors include his beloved family, daughter Sheila Burks of Vernon; sisters, Vera Ray and husband David, and Wilma McElroy and husband Jim; brother, Orville Burks and wife Judy; sister-in-law Sue Burks; several nieces and nephews; longtime family friend Wanda Walker.

Along with his wife of 62 years, Chet was preceded in death by his parents; brother Everett Burks; sisters, Vivian Burks, Wanda Spicer and husband Earl, and Donna Evans and husband Richard; and two infant brothers.

Chet was owner and operator of Burks Lumber for 46 years from 1964-2000. He held a partnership with Gaylord Quick for Fats in Sandoval in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. He was a director on the board of the First National Bank serving Patoka, Valmeyer, Breese, Ramsey, and Vandalia and was a licensed inspector for 5 years. Always giving back to his community, Chet served as a special deputy for 20 years for Marion County. The town of Vernon was more than grateful to call Chet Burks their mayor for almost 60 years, holding the record for the 2nd longest mayoral term in Illinois. He was a member of the Mason and Shriners Lodge of Patoka, serving as a 32nd mason for 55 years. Chet was a trustee of the Patoka Fire Department for 55 years. He was president of the Illinois Wood Products Association. Chet was the republican precinct committeeman for many years. He loved quality time spent with his wife going camping and trying out their luck at the boat. He was outgoing and friendly, never meeting a stranger and was a passionate storyteller. He loved to spoil his precious little girls, who were his fur babies, Ellie May, and Greta. Chet was well respected, hardworking, a man of integrity and an amazing, protective family man who will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating. Interment will follow at Vernon Cemetery. Masonic Rites Service by the 5th Southern District Masonic Lodge of Sandoval, Patoka, Odin will be at 11:45 a.m. with Shriners walk through to follow. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home in Patoka. Memorials may be made in Chet’s memory to Alzheimer Association, Patoka Fire Department, and Vernon Cemetery. Online condolences and memories of Chet may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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