BURKE LANDRY

1927 – 2025

Burke Joseph Landry, the last remaining World War II veteran in Madison County, Texas, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025 at Madisonville, Texas with his great granddaughter, Megan McBride and his daughter, Glenda Landry Collard, by his side. He was 97 years old.

Memorial service for Burke will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 100 South Tammye Lane, Madisonville. The Rosary will start at 10:00 a.m.

Visitation is at 10:30 a.m. and the service begins at 11:00 a.m. His cremations will be interred with his precious wife of 77 years, Lena Lou, in the columbarium at the church, with a meal to follow.

Burke was born in Louisiana, on July 8, 1927 to A. J. Landry and Anita Marie Landry. The Landry’s moved to Texas when he was a small child. He graduated from Pasadena High School in 1944 and immediately entered the Navy.

After bootcamp, Burke was assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid, and served as a plane captain.

While on the Intrepid, eight kamikaze (Japanese suicide planes) hit the ship. He served from 1944 to 1946.

Burke and Lena eloped while he was on leave on May 27, 1945 and they eventually made their home in Huntsville, Walker County, Texas. He decided to go to Sam Houston State University at the age of 35 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, a master’s degree in Biology, and then later went back to get a principal’s certificate.

Burke taught at Kilgore Junior College, North Harris County Junior College, and then was employed with the Wyndham School District, first as a teacher and then retired as principal.

Burke became a deacon in the Catholic Church, in May 1984, and served for 40 years, first in the Houston- Galveston Diocese and then in the Tyler Diocese.

He was a devout Catholic and serving the church was his life. Burke was a devoted family man.

Burke was preceded in death by both his parents; his sister, Hazel Pigg; wife, Lena Lou Coolidge Landry; son, Vic Landry; and daughter, Beth Landry.

Also preceding his death was son in law, Eddie Collard; and grandson, Josh Collard.

Survivors include his daughter, Glenda Landry Collard; daughter in law, Elaine Landry; grandchildren, Renelle Berger, Rene’ McBride (Jeff ), Brad Collard; and a host of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and numerous grandchildren by choice.

Also surviving is Tim Peterson who was like a second son to Burke.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton building fund, or to the Madison County Veteran’s office, at Madison County Courthouse.