Gary William Burke

Gary Burke had a lot of perfect days in his life. He recorded four holes-in-one, built businesses from the ground up, and raised a family he was deeply proud of.

He had lunch with Steve Jobs. Met Arnold Palmer. Acquired a few Corvettes. Bought his first motorcycle at age 65. Twice found love and married.

Every day the Chicago Bears or the Cubs won was a good day. He was a lifelong Oklahoma Sooners fan—a passion he passed down to his entire family, who cherish that shared tradition. He appreciated a stiff martini and cigar, and lived life very much his way—My Way.

Gary passed peacefully in his sleep at his home in Tulsa at age 82—his way. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Oak Tree National Golf Club, 1515 Oak Tree Drive in Edmond.

Gary was the only child of Bill and Dori (Farrell) Burke. His father was an Air Force pilot during World War II and retired from the military in the 1950s outside Chicago. Gary graduated from Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois, in 1961, where he played football and developed a lifelong affinity for all things Irish. He was later honored as a “Notable Alumni” by Notre Dame High School in 2018.

He attended the University of Illinois, where he played football behind the legendary Dick Butkus and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, before enlisting in the Air Force and serving in Tripoli, Libya. Upon returning to the U.S., he was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City and completed his education at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management.

While attending OCU, he met and married Sheila (Markham) Burke in 1967. Together they built a family and raised their children—Kari, twins Ryan and Bryan, and Erin Colleen (who passed shortly after birth). Though they later divorced, they remained an important part of each other’s lives and shared a lasting bond through their children and grandchildren.

After college, Gary joined Union Oil and worked his way from industrial sales representative to district manager, relocating his family several times. Ten years later, he made the decision to return to Oklahoma City and pursue his own path as an entrepreneur.

He purchased the first ComputerLand franchise in the state from T. Boone Pickens and expanded it into multiple locations. He later founded Golf USA, growing it into a national franchise. He also co-designed golf clubs, including irons used in a PGA Tour victory at the Los Angeles Open at Riviera. Over the years, Gary built and sold several businesses, guided by independence, instinct, and a deep belief in carving his own path.

His entrepreneurial spirit and belief in hard work left a lasting mark on his children—lessons they truly valued and carried forward, even if at times it may not have appeared that way. Those same values are ones they hope will continue through his grandchildren.

Golf was a lifelong passion. He was a long-time member of Oak Tree National and Oak Tree Country Club, a founding member of Oak Tree Golf Club, and also enjoyed time at Cherokee Yacht Club and The Coves. He recorded four holes-in-one over the years, with his final coming at The Coves at Grand Lake at age 72, where he also shot his age three times.

Gary maintained a long and meaningful presence at Grand Lake for decades, including nine years living there full-time with Jan. Whether on the water aboard boats like Karebear or simply enjoying time with family and friends, it was a place where his personality was always on full display—often with a bullhorn close by. How he got away with some of those antics throughout his life remains a mystery to his family.

In 2010, Gary married Janet (Jan) Burke, lovingly known to him as “Wabby.” They were true soulmates. Jan loved Gary deeply and completely, and her kindness, patience, and devotion meant more to him than words can express. Her love left a lasting imprint on Gary and on his entire family, who love and appreciate her deeply.

He took great pride in his family, especially each of his seven grandsons, who made him incredibly proud. They loved him deeply, made each other laugh endlessly, and share a bond he helped create—one that remains one of the family’s most cherished legacies across both his children and grandchildren.

Gary formed many lasting friendships throughout his life—from business and golf to social circles, including his involvement with the Boomer Dinner Club and a Tulsa dinner club—and his family is deeply grateful to those friends for the companionship, loyalty, and joy they brought to his life (and for occasionally keeping him in line when no one else could).

He is survived by his wife Janet (Jan) Burke of Tulsa; his daughter Kari (Todd) McNair of Edmond; son Ryan (Kristine) Burke of Dallas; son Bryan (Ashley) Burke of Oklahoma City; seven grandsons: Craig (Gabby) Mays and Brandon Burke of Oklahoma City; Matt Mays, Ben Burke, Riley Burke and Reed Burke of Dallas; and Jonathon McNair of Edmond.

In lieu of flowers, the family sincerely appreciates donations to the Burke Family Leadership Scholarship Fund at the University of Oklahoma, established over two decades ago. Gifts can be made through the University of Oklahoma Foundation at oufoundation.org/give (please note “Burke Family Leadership Scholarship Fund” in the designation), or by mail to: University of Oklahoma Foundation, P.O. Box 258856, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.