William Zebulon "Doc" Burke, DVM

Submitted by
Ken Gates

WILLIAM ZEBULON “DOC” BURKE, DVM
April 14, 2006

Reagan Native

    William Zebulon Burke, DMV, 96, passed away Friday, April 14, 2006 as a result of complications of congestive heart failure. Instrumental in the establishment of the Northside ISD, he was honored in 2000 when the W. Z. "Doc" Burke Elementary School was named for him.

     Born in Reagan, he attended Texas A&M, graduating from the School of veterinary medicine in 1934. In the 1930s and 1940s he tested cattle for Bang’s Disease and TB throughout Texas and California for the US Govt. until joining the Army during WWII. Following his honorable discharge as Lt. Colonel, he purchased a dairy farm on Bandera Road in San Antonio, and established a large animal practice.

     In the late 1940s he survived Anthrax, sold the dairy farm and built the Bandera Road Animal Hospital, expanding the practice to include small animals. The hospital continues in operation today. Since his veterinary career retirement, he volunteered for the VA Hospital in Kerrville, Memorial Primary School and Hope Hospice both in New Braunfels.

     His loving wife Hazel of 66 years, his parents Zebulon and Leona Burke, and sister Betty Ellwood, preceded him in death.

     He is survived by his children Betty Ann and Michael Canney, W. Z. (Bubba) and Karom Burke, Susan and Gary Osborn; grandchildren, Katherine West, Gary and Karen West, Siobhan and Steve Fingado, Laura Kathleen Haass and Kayanna Pace, Karen and Chris Carrillo, Tom and Kim Osborn, Joy and Trey Drake; great-grandchildren Marshall Rosales, Matthew and Jared West, Benjamin & Isabelle Carrillo, Hansley and Halley Osborn; numerous family and friends.

     His wit, sense of humor and care for all people was evident in that he never met a stranger. To know him was to love him.

     Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with the service at 10 a. m, Thursday April 20, 2006 at Freedom Fellowship Church, 410 Oak Run Point, New Braunfels. Interment will follow in Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.

     All arrangements were under the direction of Zoeller Funeral of New Braunfels.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice, New Braunfels.