Kenneth Wayne Burke Sr.

Kenneth Wayne Burke Sr., age 80, peacefully passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. He was born on March 19, 1945 in Hammond, Louisiana to the late George and Hollis Mae Burke. Ken graduated from Ponchatoula High School and was named Ponchatoula Standout Player on the football team. He was the successful business owner and operator of German Auto Center for many years. His passion for the foreign automobiles began when he was in Vietnam with the United States Air Force, where he ran across a Porsche he wanted to buy, and the rest was history. He was an avid golfer who is listed on a plaque at Oak Knoll Country Club as the 1999 Men's Golf Club Champion 'Ken Burke "The Goat"'. Ken had a plethora of knowledge and experience that many people looked up to for advice. Amongst his many friends he was known to be gregarious, affable and a great story-teller. He always saw the value in things that most people would overlook, that's when he would step in and take advantage of a little elbow grease and imagination turning it to gold.

He is survived by his children, Julia A. Burke, Kenneth W. Burke Jr (Rasheena), Courtney Burke Aillet, C. Micajah Burke, Ana Burke McClain (Hakeem), and Jasmine Young; grandchildren, Ezra Aillet (Maddie), Adeline Aillet, Jacob Aillet, Evangeline Aillet, Bailey Burke, Caleb Aillet, Demi Collier, Luke Aillet, Apollo Anderson and Andre Anderson; siblings, Harold Burke, George "Skipper" Burke Jr (Sherry), John Burke; Rodney McIntyre-“a brother from another mother”; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, George F. Burke Sr. and Hollis Mae McIntyre; and his sister, Georgia Francis Burke.

Family and friends are invited to attend Mr. Ken's Memorial Service on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula at 3:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Options Premier Services With People With Disabilities https://options4u.org/ or National Alliance on Mental Illnesses nami.org 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.