OK Obits

Submitted by Martha Reddout

Woody Burks

Apr 25, 1925 ~ Apr 1, 2014

Woody Burks was born on April 25, 1925 in Delhi, Oklahoma to Newell Mae (O’brien) and Sydney “Shorty” Clarence Burks. He passed away on April 1, 2014 in Elk City, Oklahoma at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 6 days.

Woody was raised just outside of Delhi with his identical twin brother Elmo, brothers Frank and Vergil, and their older sister Derotha. He enjoyed close friendships with all of the folks from that rural community and graduated from Delhi High School in 1943. After graduation Woody spent time working as a carpenter, making bluegrass music, and playing on multiple rural semi-pro baseball teams.

On October 1, 1949, Woody was married to Wyneth “Winnie” Lee (Wetsel) Burks from Vega, Texas. Early in their marriage, Woody and Winnie moved throughout the Texas panhandle and Oklahoma raising their three small children Pat, Dee, and Sandy. Ultimately, the young family ended up settling down in Elk City, Oklahoma in 1957.

While Woody was a great husband, father, and grandfather within his respective family, he was also seemingly inseparable from his twin brother Elmo. The two spent all of their lives together—except for a one-year stint of wartime service in 1944. Early on they worked as framing carpenters and finish carpenters; and eventually, the two ended up obtaining their certifications as land surveyors in 1955. Shortly after being certified, the twins started Burks Brothers Surveyors. Up until their retirement in 1998, Woody and Elmo surveyed much of the land throughout Elk City and Western Oklahoma.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Winnie, and his brother Frank. He leaves behind his twin brother Elmo, his brother Vergil, his older sister Derotha, all three of his kids, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and a great legacy of laughter and love.

Service
Monday, April 7, 2014
11:00 AM
Whinery-Savage Chapel
403 W. Country Club
Elk City, OK 73644

Memorial Contribution
Elk City Meals On Wheels
1510 West 9th Street
Elk City, OK 73644

Cemetery Details
Burial:
Cremated, Ashes given to family or friend

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