Dr. Chester Lee Burks October 20, 1950 April 6, 2026 The Journey Begins Dr.Burks was born October 20, 1950, in Neches, TX. to Chester Lee Burks, Sr. and Versie Lee Hunter-Burks. Dr. Burks’ parents preceded him in death. He was the only child in the union of his parents. Dr. Burks was baptized at age twelve at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, in Silsbee, TX. where his parents were devoted members and his father a Deacon. Dr. Burks was active in the Youth Ministry as a Youth Usher Member, Youth Choir, Sunday School, Baptist Youth Training Union Program, and Youth Leadership Association. He remained an active and faithful member at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church through primary and secondary education. In university life, he considered other Bible Faith Churches as home churches, as he continued to serve one person: Jesus the Savior. Dr. Burks graduated from Waldo Matthew’s High School in 1968, Silsbee, TX., before attending Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX. He was a Pre-Med Major, with emphasis in Biology and Chemistry. He completed undergraduate and graduate degrees at Prairie View A&M University. His medical degree was awarded from Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Worth, TX. Dr. Burks is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, after pledging in 1968 at Prairie View A&M University. The Early Years It was at Prairie View A&M University where Dr. Burks met Edith Yvonne Thomas (Von) during their Freshman year in 1968. They dated five years prior to marrying January 12, 1974 in Waco, TX. at Gt. Mount Olive Baptist Church. They were blessed to have celebrated fifty two glorious years in marriage as “Best Friends!!” Dr. Burks and Von relocated to Prairie View, TX. where he continued to achieve his Master’s in Biology/Chemistry. His journey continued with relocating to Aurora, CO. Dr. Burks served the community as a Primary Care Physician over 30 (+) years. He had a successful practice serving communities throughout the State of Colorado. Dr. Burks had a selfless commitment and dedication to supporting, uplifting, and providing medical care and treatment to others.He stands as an icon of the community he served, whose legacy he himself found humbling. Dr. Burks was a 2nd. Lieutenant in the US Army, Intelligence Division Center. He was in ROTC at Prairie View A&M University. Basic Training was accomplished at Fort Riley, Kansas. Fort Huachuca, Arizona served as the training site for Intelligence, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and Cybersecurity. He loved R&B, as he was also a Smooth Jazz and Blues enthusiast. He loved life itself!! He adored spending time with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a wide network of close family and friends. Dr. Burks is survived by his loving wife, Edith Yvonne Burks (Von) resides in Temple, TX., son, Chester Lee Burks III (Trey), his wife, Tracy Kaye Burks resides in San Diego, CA., daughter, Tonya Yvonne Burks resides in Denver, CO., Granddaughter, Navia Areanna Abdal-Khallaq resides in Cambridge, MA., Granddaughter, Sergeant Kayleah Nicole Burks resides in Darwin, Australia (US Marine), Grandson, Specialist Chase Alexander Burks resides in Fort Bragg, NC., (US Army) Grandson, Tyrese Anthoni Wise resides in Pueblo, CO., and three great-grandchildren, King Zaiden Omari Johnson, Nova Kehlani Mason, and Kaizen Kash Mason resides in Cambridge, MA., Brother-In-Law, Tony Ray Thomas and Partner, Dee Grooms reside in Arlington, TX., and a host of relatives he loved dearly. Dr. Burks regarded raising children as life’s greatest blessing and one of the most fulfilling gifts that “Daddy” and “Grandpa” was giving was his two children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His legacy and memory will live on in his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, other family members, and a host of dear friends. His legacy is also embedded in the members of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Silsbee, TX., Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, Aurora, CO., and St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Dallas, TX. “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 KJV Expressions of Gratitude The family of Dr. Chester Lee Burks, Jr., would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the prayers, acts of kindness, expressions of love and condolences, texts, phone calls, flowers, “big hugs”, and words of comfort shown to us. Our hearts will cherish your love and kindness long after this day has passed. “Thank you!!” The family is thankful and appreciative for the above and beyond excellent medical management and treatment, support, compassion, and kindness provided to Dr. Burks: Glenda Tanner Vasicek Cancer Treatment Center Oncology Chemotherapy Radiation Oncology Standard Home Health Nursing Baylor Scott & White Hospice American Cancer Society Patient Advocate Foundation Baylor Scott & White Sante Fe Clinic Staff Hewett-Arney Funeral Home Doris Miller Memorial Park Love With Special Thanks and Appreciation Pastor Quincy Evans and First Lady Sherri Evans House of Faith Temple, TX. Mr. Tony Ray Thomas (Dee) Arlington, TX. Mr. & Mrs. George Green (Wanda) Waco, TX