Clyde Alan Burks

On October 8th, 1953, an incredible human was born to Margaret and Clyde Burks.

Alan grew up in Detroit, Michigan and as a child loved playing football, baseball, boating, fishing, archery, shooting, hunting, and motorcycles. To say he had a wicked sense of humor would be an understatement. Alan could keep a crowd in stitches for hours and was well known for his elaborate pranks.  He was an amazing artist and could sketch anything from cartoons and caricatures to detailed technical drawings.

In 1972 he graduated from Cody High school in Detroit and began his career as an architectural draftsman. Two years later he joined Carpenter’s Union Local 19 (now 687) where he worked alongside his dad.  As with most everything else in his life, he excelled quickly and two years into his four-year apprenticeship program he was promoted to foreman which earned him his journeyman status in half the time required. His excellent leadership skills, strong work ethic, mechanical skill set, and depth of knowledge resulted in a 47-year career where he was in high demand with employers and well respected by his peers.

In 1974 he and his dad went to ride dirt bikes in Irish Hills. Unbeknownst to him, he was at the home of his future in laws. On that day he met Patty, fell in love and she became his wife of 49 years.  They made their way to California in 1984 where he finished his carpentry career, retiring in April 2020. Their children were very involved in sports and Alan was always an avid “athletic supporter”. He cheered them on at their games and even coached little league. He bred, raised, and trained state champion pedigree bird dogs and loved to ride his Harley rain or shine.  He worked hard, was crazy about his family, and you were fortunate if you were his friend. He was always ready to jump in and lend a hand at a moment’s notice. Naturally, it would have to be done HIS way, and any project would require that he prepare a detailed checklist to be strictly followed.

Alan passed away, at his home in Harker Heights, TX on Saturday, July 15th, 2023.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Burks, their children Kelly Schneider and husband Daniel, Amy Burks, Marcy Burks and Adam Burks, as well as his brother Aaron Burks and sister Lynne Burks, nieces and nephews Byron Burks, Rachel Felder, Jared Burks, Joshua Burks, Kyle Burks and Olivia Duncan.  He is pre-deceased by his father Clyde Britton Burks and mother Margaret Ann Burks (Roe).

Words could never measure how sorely he will be missed.

A memorial service is being planned for later this year in Michigan.

Life is short.  Spend it with people who make you laugh and feel loved.