Thomas Clinton Burk

Thomas Clinton Burk, known to many simply as Tom, passed away on September 22, 2026. Born on December 28, 1948, Tom lived a life marked by devotion to family, steady work, service to his country, and a generous spirit that left lasting impressions on all who knew him.

A 1966 graduate of Clarksville High School, Tom went on to build a long and honorable working life. He was a machinist at Henry Vogt Machine Company for more than 30 years, a role that reflected his skill, discipline, and dedication. After retirement, he continued working for another 25 years as a security guard, a testament to his strong work ethic and his enduring commitment to providing for those he loved.

Tom was also a proud United States Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam. His service was an important part of his life and stood as one more example of the quiet strength and loyalty that defined him.

Beyond his work and military service, Tom poured himself into the things and people he loved. He coached Prairie Village Little League and won championships in both baseball and softball, creating memories that have lasted far beyond the final innings. In true Tom fashion, after many games he would line his players up to help search for his lost pipe, a small and beloved detail that captures his humor and the affection he inspired. He was known for his “Tom Burk” jokes, the kind of humor that became part of his signature and brought laughter to those around him.

Tom loved fishing, watching sports, watching old westerns, and reading. He also loved history and genealogy, and he took special joy in connecting many people with their family history. That gift for linking people to their roots spoke to the kind of man he was—curious, thoughtful, and deeply invested in others.

Among his proudest accomplishments was the life he built with and for his family. He was an excellent provider, a loving husband, father, big brother, uncle, Pap, and friends to many. To his children, he was their first reading teacher and their first best friend, a role of tenderness and presence that shaped their lives in lasting ways.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Martha Burk.

Tom leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, of 55 years, Gloria Burk; children, Cathy (Jimmy) Madison, Chris (Pam) Burk, Tony (Dionne) Burk and Beth (Rhett) Sample; grandchildren, Destiny, Christopher, Andrew, Tyler, Austin, Sean, Lexi, Finley and Quinn; great-grandchildren, Conner, Leya, Carmen, Cole and Billie Anne; siblings, Joseph (Vicki) Burk, Mary Ruth (Mark) Staples, Sharon (David) Creech, Karen (Buddy) Hockersmith and Susan Edgell

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance at Newcomer Funeral Home, Southwest Louisville, 10304 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, Kentucky 40272. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with Military Honors at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Tom’s life was one of service, laughter, loyalty, and love. He will be remembered in stories told with a smile, in family histories preserved because he cared enough to trace them, in the lessons he passed on, and in the many lives made better by his steady presence.