Tom was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on June 25, 1935, and passed away on October 30, 2011, in Bakersfield California. He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Patricia and father, Paul John. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Agnes Burke; daughter, Julie Burke; son, Timothy Burke; granddaughters, Kennedy and Michaela; brother, John Burke and wife Kathy; sister, Mary Rohmiller and husband Ron; and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom has many degrees and diplomas, including 2 Masters Degrees from Creighton, South Dakota State University, San Jose State University, Cal State University Bakersfield, and Fresno State University. Tom was a teacher for the Kern High School District for 36 years where he was the Teacher of the Year. He served on the Grand Jury, gave 16 gallons to Houchin Blood Bank, was a Scout Leader, coach and administrator for Bobby Sox Softball, was a religious education instructor and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish to name a few highlights in his life. But nothing compared to the love he had for his granddaughters. A mass will be held in his honor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 124 Columbus Street on Friday, November 4, at 1pm with a reception following at St. Joseph's Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saint Vincent de Paul Center, 300 Baker, Bakersfield, CA 93305 or donate blood at Houchin Blood Bank in his name. The family would like to send a warm and sincere thank you to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers that treated Tom so well at San Joaquin Hospital.