Lawrence "Larry" Dennis Burke

Lawrence "Larry" Dennis Burke “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 This was who Larry was, a man who finished his race well. He entered Heaven on November 25, 2025, after a seven year- long battle with dementia and complications from Alzheimer’s. But even with the disease that took away his ability to communicate effectively, his love for the Lord was still evident through his sweet spirit and concern and love for others. Larry fulfilled many roles during his lifetime. For over 40 years he served as a pastor, missionary, and often filled the role of chaplain to the fire and sheriffs’ departments in the various communities where he served. Larry was born on June 22, 1952, in Silver Creek, New York, arriving six weeks early, impatient to get on with his life. He was born to Paul and Patricia Burke and grew up in Angola, New York. After graduating from Eden Central High School, he attended Houghton College earning a Ministerial Degree, followed by three years at Asbury Seminary for his Masters of Devinity. He married his wife Marcia Marvin (Marcy) in 1976 during his final year of seminary, and after graduation was ordained into the Wesleyan Church. For the next eight years he would serve as both a youth and senior pastor in Northern Bradford County in Pennsylvania and took on the role of District Youth Leader, directing the teen camps at Chambers Wesleyan Camp and Retreat Center. He was also instrumental in the formation of a Christian school during that time which has continued to impact the lives of young people for Christ ever since its inception. Feeling the tug to serve the Lord somewhere beyond our borders, after a year of language study he and Marcy moved with their young family to Honduras where he worked with ministry, work and medical teams, helped build a Bible School, taught and pastored a church and in his spare time built a wing onto the mission house. Eventually returning stateside, he would pastor churches in Alabama, South Carolina and New York. With the diagnosis of dementia, he continued to do what he loved, pastoring his church for as long as he was able. He finally retired back to Alabama in 2019 where he remained until his homegoing and where he is survived by his wife Marcy of 49 years. Larry was one of nine and is survived by his six siblings: Faith (Tom) Terry of Syracuse, New York; Paulette (Calvin) Schierer of Fillmore, New York; Ken (Layne) Burke of Dallas, Texas; Kathleen (David) Jeffers of Springville, New York; Paul (Juanita) Burke of Cleveland, Tennessee; and Christine (David) Cook of Robertsdale, Alabama; preceded by Timothy Allen Burke and Diana Lynn Burke. Larry leaves behind a rich, spiritual legacy to his four children: Angela (Jeff) Sweeney of Houston, Texas; Joel (Jessica) Burke of Wetumpka, Alabama; Fawn (Zac) Woodfin of Franklin, Tennessee; and Autumn (Jimmie) Rogers of Ellenwood, Georgia. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, one great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. In celebration of Pastor Larry’s life, as he was affectionally known, he will be honored on Wednesday, December 3rd at Fountain of Grace Church at 881 McQueen Smith Road in Prattville, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 10 with the service to follow at 12 with Pastor Tony Butler officiating. For those unable to attend, you are welcome to stream the service at: https://youtube.com/live/yRqpGqmixWM?si=4BrakBNeLO_2fZQO If you wish to give in his memory, in lieu of flowers, prayerfully consider giving to one of the following, both important and dear to Larry: Drive–In Ministries is an international ministry, strongly evangelistic and based here in Prattville. Drive-In Ministries, PO Box 680250 Prattville, AL 36068-0250. Marcy currently volunteers at the River Region Pregnancy Center at 150 1st Street, Prattville, Alabama 36067. Everywhere he pastored, the pro-life centers were supported by Pastor Larry and the people of his churches.

Lawrence "Larry" Dennis Burke

June 22, 1952 - November 25, 2025