Fallen Hero: Major General (Ret.) Wayne Burkes

Brandon, MS


Funeral Home

Ott & Lee Funeral Home

1360 W. Government St. Brandon, MS 39042
601-824-6018

Visitation

NA due to Covid-19 restrictions

Service

Private funeral services TBA


Obituary

Another great Airmen and Fallen Hero have been released from duty, passed from our ranks on  May 5, 2020 and moved on to his heavenly home.  Major General (Ret), Wayne Burkes. age 90, a retired member of the MS Air National Guard who had served within the HQ MSANG and 172d Airlift Wing has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country giving up their family time, comfort and safety for their country ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life.  We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur still remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed:  “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace General.  We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service.  We thank you for your service.   Without your efforts and your families’ support, this country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.  You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels.  May God continue to look over you and your family.  “Stand At Rest General”

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Special remarks:

Major General Burkes was a pastor, a military man serving within the MSANG, a State Representative, a State Senator, and also the Central District Highway Commissioner.

General Burkes was  the recipient of Mississippi College’s Order of the Golden Arrow Award in 2014.  As 1955 MC graduate, he was recognized for his splendid service as Mississippi’s Central District transportation commissioner, his work as state senator and as a leader with the Mississippi Air National Guard.

The Order of the Golden Arrow Award salutes MC alumni or friends of the college making outstanding achievements in their professions. It recognizes exceptional performance or leadership beyond the ordinary.

MG Burkes retired in 1989 as a Major General with the Mississippi Air National Guard after more than 38 years of service. The Neshoba County native served as pastor of the Bolton Baptist Church for 24 years. He was a member of the faculty and staff at Hinds Community College.

In addition, General Burkes served in the Mississippi House from 1976 until 1980 and in the state Senate from 1980 until 1989. Among other duties, he was a member of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board from 1999 until 2003.

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A full obituary and services details will be updated upon its finalization.