Thomas Ralph Burke, 82, of Owings, MD formerly of Port Tobacco, MD and Nemacolin, PA passed away on November 14, 2015 at the Burnett Calvert Hospice House. He was born on May 7, 1933 in Ronco, PA to the late Douglas Donald Burke and Dorothy Irene (Kerr) Burke. In addition to his parents, Thomas was predeceased by a brother, Donald Burke; two sisters, Mary Lou Henderson and Jane Organt; a brother in-law, Homer Henderson; and two sister-in-laws, Charlotte Burke and Betty Burke.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Lucille (Sanner) Burke; a son, James Robert Burke (Jennifer); two daughters, Linda Mae Burch (Martin) and Sherry Ann Whidden (Mark); a brother James Burke; a brother in-law Morgan Organt; as well as five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Thomas served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired at 59 from the D.C. government at Blue Plains. After retirement, Thomas drove the school bus for Charles County Public Schools and Koch's Bus Service for several years.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, catching stream trout and river fish. He also enjoyed watching old Westerns, eating Maryland crabs, working on crossword puzzles, reading newspapers and books, and listening to blue-grass music. Thomas will always be remembered for his quick-witted comebacks, warm smile, contagious laugh, and generous heart.

Family will receive friends for Thomas' memorial gathering on Friday, November 27, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a funeral service to follow from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Thomas' name to: Calvert Hospice, PO Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Please visit www.calverthospice.org. Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home.