Lavone 'Binky' Burks Obituary (1951

Lavone "Binky" Burks was born February 6, 1951, to the parents of Frank and Ellamae Burks in Des Moines, Iowa. He was raised and educated in the area, graduating from North High school in 1969. Following his primary education, Lavone became part of the brick layers union. Later on in life he worked as a groundskeeper for Mercy through Drake Temp Services. His last employer was with Purfruit as a groundskeeper until his illness. Lavone "Binky" Burks started his journey back to Christ in 2004, and eventually became a deacon for Mt. Olive Baptist church. His other ministries were the senior usher board, Brotherhood, male chorus, food pantry, adult Sunday school teacher, and first chair of the Deacon ministry. On September 22, 2004, he married Valerie Douglas, and they began their walk with Christ as one. Lavone "Binky" enjoyed working inside and outside the church to make the church look its best. He also enjoyed cooking for the church. He was best known for his BBQ. The Lord called Lavone "Binky" Burks home on August 14, 2018. Preceding him in death are his parents, Frank and Ellamae Burks, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 13 years, Valerie Burks; children, Kelly Burks, Marlisa "Nikki" Burks, Tanya Douglas and Michael Douglas; siblings, Donald (Nina) Burks, Eugene Burks, Jonetta "Sue" Douglas and Thomas "Butch" (Victoria) Douglas; 6 grandchildren and a host of nephews nieces cousins and church family. Visitation Friday, August 17, 2018 1:00 - 5:00pm Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Funeral Service Saturday, August 18, 2018 Starts at 12:00pm Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home