Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Henry Isaac “Mitch” Burks, 57, Lanark, WV, transitioned from this earth to be with our Lord on July 15, 2020 following a short illness.

Henry “Mitch” was born September 12, 1962 in Lanark, West Virginia to the late Edward M. and Argiden Ruth Jackson Burks. Henry was the third child out of six children. Henry’s as a young man was always around the neighborhood helping the elderly. It seemed that he could do almost anything; mowing lawns, shoveling snow, he was a regular Mr. Fix It. Henry was a handyman at a young age. He was driven with a desire to learn. Henry’s attended Woodrow Wilson High School; later he completed his education with a GED. Henry would meet Annette Moore, the love of his life; they started dating when they were 21 years old. They were married on July 14, 1994 and just celebrated 26 years of marriage. Henry’s career started in construction, helping to build homes in Stanaford Acres and other areas throughout Beckley. He took up a trade and became an ironworker. Henry worked out of Local 301 in Charleston and was transferred to Local 787 in Parkersburg. Henry held several positions in this line of work, including foreman on many jobs. He helped to build many bridges and other buildings; he helped reinforce existing building structures. Henry had a love for repairing anything that had a motor in it. One of his hobbies was his own workshop in his garage. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, riding his four wheeler and motorcycle. He talked Annette into accompanying him on a few camping trips and rides on the four wheeler. Henry was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather, he lived for his family. Henry’s life impacted so many people. Henry was a member of Mount Vernon Church of Lanark, WV. In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his grandparents Henry and Rosa Bolen Jackson; in-laws, Clyde and Dora Moore Cousin; and nephew, Mycal Burks. Henry’s leaves to cherish precious memories his wife, Annette; son, Brandon Burks of Lanark; daughter, Monique Moore of Durham, NC; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandson; two brothers, Edward R. Burks of Bradley and Robert Burks of Lanark; three sisters, Patricia Burks and Rose Burks, both of Lanark and Felicia (Marvin) Mitchem of Beckley; special friends and cousin, Elder Terry Moore, who was more than Henry’s friend, he was a father figure and mentor, Rick and RC; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and too many special friends to name them all. He was truly loved by many.

As per his request, he has been cremated.

Memorial service will be 11:00AM Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Mount Vernon Church parking lot, 141 New Guinea Avenue, Beckley (Lanark), with Pastors Damon Hamby, Brian Wallington and Elder Terry Moore officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Mount Vernon Church Building Fund, 141 New Guinea Avenue, Beckley, WV 25801.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.