Stephen Burk
“I am not interested in just getting by down here. I am determined, by the help and grace of God, to make it safely home to heaven.”
Stephen Michael Burk was born on September 14, 1950 in Springfield, Missouri, to Jack Michael Burk and Evelyn Vaughn (Lee) Burk. He went home to be with the Lord at 70 years of age, on February 19, 2021, in his Seymour, MO home.
The son of a Missouri bridge contractor, Steve had moved with his family thirty-seven times by the time he was 13 years old. The variety of schools, communities, and acquaintances he interacted with in those years were the sources of colorful tales that kept his family entertained for hours. Steve was known to many in his community as the owner of Byler Building Supply.
Steve gave his heart to the Lord at the age of 19. He met his future wife, Ann Wallace, at Salem Bible College in Ohio. After graduating in 1972, he began pastoring a Bible Missionary Church in Marshfield, Missouri. He joined the Ozark Mennonite congregation in 1983, where he served as a deacon from 1985 until his death. He enjoyed teaching at the Ozark Mennonite School from 1984-1988. Steve was a master story teller, weaving the events of his life into practical illustrations for his sermons, sometimes to the chagrin of his children.
Joining Steve and Ann’s family were six children, Michael (Melissa Yoder), Esther, Elisabeth (Darrell Ramer), Eunice (Joseph Miller), Daniel, and Dorcas (Kent Kropf). Steve enjoyed many happy times with his seventeen grandchildren.
In addition to Steve’s wife, children, and grandchildren, he is survived by two sisters, Carolyn (Roger Bricker) and Mary (Steve Dillon). Steve was preceded in death by his father and mother.
Steve’s big and generous heart blessed many people. If he heard of a need, he would gather up something that would help. Even if he didn’t feel well himself, he would deliver it personally to the needy individual.
Steve’s testimony was Philippians 4:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Visitation will start at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Ozark Mennonite Church. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in the church, with interment following in Ozark Mennonite Cemetery.