Denis Layne Burk entered into eternal rest on April 14, 2022, at Stephens
County Hospital, Toccoa, GA. Denis was born with Down Syndrome in
McCook, Nebraska to Elmer C. and Agnes Orten Burk, April 1, 1962. He
grew up on a farm outside McDonald, Kansas and was the youngest with two
brothers and two sisters. His family was instrumental in helping him
to become an independent and productive citizen with special needs.
Denis attended Beamgard Learning Center, which his parents helped
establish, and graduated in 1983. He then received supportive services
from DSNWK-Prairie Developmental Center in Atwood, Kansas and was able
to live independently and work at several jobs including the recycling
center. Denis was known for his love of people and always being happy.
After the death of his mother, Denis moved to Lavonia, GA to reside with
his sister, Nancy Williamson, in 2011. He later resided with a
wonderful host family, Daniel and Annetta Mayfield in Toccoa, GA and
attended Avita Community Services. His host father was a coach at
Stephens County High School and a perfect fit for Denis’ love for
sports. Denis was the water boy for the high school basketball team and
became known for his cheering the team and giving speeches after the
games for both wins and losses.
Denis was an active member of St. John Nepomucene and Sacred Heart
Catholic Churches while living in Kansas and St. Mary Catholic Church in
Toccoa, GA. He loved serving as an Altar Boy and being a member of the
Knights of Columbus. Denis is survived by his two brothers Elmer (Rita
Sramek) Burk of Tucson, AZ ; and Robert (Jean Mazza) Burk of San Rafael,
CA; two sisters: Nancy Williamson of Lavonia, GA, and Cheryln (Douglas)
Smith of Othello, WA. and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23rd, 2022,
at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood, KS. with inurnment to follow at
St. John’s Cemetery, Beardsley, KS.
Memorials may be made to Prairie Developmental Center, 208 South 4th, Atwood, KS 67730 or Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 301, Atwood, KS 67730. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuar.com