Charles D. Burke

Charles David Burke was born on Sunday, October 13, 1957, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Susie and Elroy Burke Sr. Charles (affectionately known as “Chuck”) was a beacon of love, kindness, and generosity. He grew up in Indianapolis, attended Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), and graduated from Shortridge High School. After studying at IUPUI, he began his career at Ford Motor Company, where he often recounted the day he saw “across the cafeteria, the love of my life,” Karen Scruggs. They married in 1980 and shared 47 beautiful years together, a union marked by love, devotion, laughter, and deep faith.

Charles was a man of tireless work ethic, determined to provide and ensure stability for his family. He worked faithfully at Indianapolis Public Schools as a bus driver and later a supervisor, becoming a steady and caring presence for countless children and colleagues. He also served as Head Chef at Charcoal Steakhouse, where he extended opportunities to family, friends, and neighbors, believing in lifting others up whenever possible. After several years of working at IPS, he retired after 36 years, but it was short lived, as he began working as a bus driver for MSD of Pike Township for the last 8 years.

His life was guided by his faith. Minister Charles professed Christ at an early age and was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Over time, he recommitted his life, later becoming an ordained minister and faithfully serving at Eastern Star Church. He participated and led various ministries including Pastoral Care Ministry, Finance Freedom, Teen Ministry, and Sunday School. But his ministry extended beyond the pulpit, through his work with the Salvation Army and countless acts of kindness, he poured his heart into uplifting others. He lived the gospel daily, embodying compassion, generosity, and unwavering service to God.

At home, Minister Charles was a devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished Papa, and a dear brother and friend. His love for his wife, Karen, was immeasurable. He adored her and would often serenade her with his favorite song, “One in a Million, You.” His happiest moments were often the simplest—family vacations, the gentle peace of the back porch watching the birds and chatting with neighbors that stopped by. Charles loved playing chess or backgammon and partnering in spades games. Whether encouraging and sharing memories with family and friends, he had a gift for making everyone feel valued.

His daughters knew him as their greatest teacher, showing them through his life what it meant to love, serve, and live with integrity. His humor, generosity, and God-given ability to connect with people left a lasting impression on every soul he touched.

Minister Charles leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Karen; children: Kara Hamilton (Aaron), Carla Taylor (Brad), and Carmen Burke; grandchildren: Mackenzie and Aubrey Hamilton, Layla and Braden Taylor; siblings: Elroy Jr. (Alice), Kenneth (Laura), DeWayne, Gina, and Janet Smith (Darren); brothers-in-law: Reginald, Vincent, and Terry Wayne Scruggs; and a host of loving family members, neighbors, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Henry S. Hattiex; brother, Timothy Burke; mother-in-law, Joyce Scruggs; and brothers-in-law, Michael and Derick Scruggs.

Minister Charles D. Burke’s life was a shining example of Matthew 25:23:

“Well done, good and faithful servant…Come and share your master’s happiness!” God loaned him to us for 67 years and now has called him Home. Though our hearts ache, we are forever grateful for his light, his love, and his legacy that will live on in all who knew him.

You can now rest.