Patricia C. Burks

PATRICIA C BURKS

On August 6, 2025, Mom passed away from complications related to dementia and congestive heart failure. She was 93. Born July 23, 1932, the beloved and pampered daughter of Harry and Helen (Allstott) Claxon, she was raised in the Indianapolis area. Musically inclined and talented, mom played the piano, alto sax and clarinet. Due to a shortage of musical talent during WWII, she was allowed to play with the bands at Butler’s Jordan School of Music while in junior high. She also participated in various high school bands with jazz being her favorite. She graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School in 1950.

Our grandmother, Helen, caused much worry to Mom due to chronic heart issues and sadly passed away when she was in high school. Mom once wrote that the very hardest thing she ever did was to plan her mother’s funeral. Being a much loved, but lonely only child, Mom chose to marry the summer following her high school graduation. Being connected through their families at East Tenth Street United Methodist Church, Mom married John W Holmes in August 1950. They had four children together before deciding to part ways after 33-years of marriage: Ronald Holmes (deceased), Melinda King (Herman), Melissa Conrad (Tom) and Brian Holmes (Paula). Mom and Dad also shared twelve grandchildren: Shawn Holmes, Chad Holmes, Ian Holmes, John Berry IV, Megan King-Wright, Colin Murphy, Kristin Brassell, James Conrad, Steven Conrad, Harrison Holmes, Kendall Holmes and Wesley Holmes. The constant worry caused by her mother’s poor health resulted in hyper-vigilance over her children and grandchildren, much to their chagrin. However, we always knew it was her way of showing just how much she loved us. Regardless of our age, we tried not to become too angry when we’d find her pacing in front of the window, even though we were just a minute or two late from curfew (which we really never were because she scared the heck out of us)!

After her marriage in 1950, Mom settled in to perfect house-wife mode. We were all clean and well fed. Her house was spotless with bi-annual spring and fall cleanings. She taught us all how to clean house also by standing us on chairs to wash and dry dishes, and to iron things like sheets, pillow cases and handkerchiefs. We made our beds immediately upon exiting them and never set anything in the living room upon returning from school; straight to the bedrooms. Fun times for sure, but she raised four children to become responsible adults and we know she was proud of that.

Mom had multiple jobs over the years and taught piano lessons while we were all still home. Her favorite job was Regional Manager for American Hospital Supply as her nest was emptying. This job allowed her to become financially independent after the divorce from John. It also led to her meeting second husband, Clarence Burks (CB), who was a hospital administrator when they met. In their “retirement years” they both drove school buses for Ben Davis Township Schools.

Mom had many happy years with CB. They shared a love of fishing, entertaining, margarita happy hours and fur-babies. Many, many fur-babies. They raised Rottweilers and adopted an abundance of other animals from the humane society. Following CB’s death in 2020, Mom tried to maintain her home for herself and her animals. But eventually she had to transition to assisted living which was a very sad time for her. Several times she was found outside the facility in search of stray cats that came around; and they sometimes made it into her apartment for a night, or until her daughters made other arrangements for them.

What will her children remember? She was small but mighty. She made Christmas and birthdays magical. She loved us unconditionally and once wrote that the happiest time in her life was when her children were little. And her compassion for all creatures great and small. With that in mind, if so inclined and in lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to IndyHumane, 7929 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. 7929 N Michigan Rd Indianapolis, IN 46268

A memorial gathering will be held in honor of Patricia 11-1pm Saturday, August 16th with a memorial service to follow at 1pm, all will take place at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East Funeral Center.