November 27, 1943 ~ July 15, 2025 (age 81)
Services for Melissa Lillah Burke, 81, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Ken May and Rev. Dick Carroll officiating. Burial will follow at Erath Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lacy Funeral Home.
Melissa was born in San Diego, California, on November 27, 1943, to Mary Lee Barker and David (Dee) Baskett. She moved to Cleburne, TX during her childhood and later relocated to Stephenville in 1962 with her family so she could attend Tarleton State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
On June 3, 1982, Melissa married the love of her life, Frank Burke, in Stephenville. They shared a rich and adventurous life together until Frank’s passing on December 12, 2020. One of their most cherished experiences was living in Saudi Arabia, where Frank taught English to the Saudi Royal Troops. During that time, they traveled extensively—including to Australia, where Melissa was delighted to hold a koala bear.
Melissa was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Stephenville. She had a deep love for animals, often caring for neighborhood cats and filling her home with beloved pets—bunnies, dogs, fish, and cats among them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank Burke, and her brother Billy Baskett.
She is survived by her nephew, David Baskett, and his wife, Nicole, of Stephenville; and her great-niece and great-nephew, Piper Baskett and Gavin Baskett.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Erath County Humane Society.
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