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Cleophus B. Burks III, known fondly as “Sonny” or “Uncle Sonny”  passed away on Jan. 8, 2022, in Seattle, WA.  He transitioned peacefully with his loving and devoted wife, Vivian Burks, by his side.

In 1973, Sonny was born the youngest of four in Muncie, Indiana, to Cleophus Burks, Jr. and Zenaida Burks. He lived in Indiana; Okinawa, Japan; and North Carolina, before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1992.

He served 23 years in the Air Force and retired honorably in 2015, as a Master Sergeant at Joint Base Lewis McChord. In his role as Avionics Maintainer & Instructor, he inspired many and is remembered and respected as a great leader, mentor, and friend.

In 1993, he met the love of his life, Vivian. In 1995, they married and were inseparable, living a true love story in their nearly 29 years together. While serving in the military, they were stationed in New Mexico, Florida, and Washington.  The strength of their love got them through life’s challenges during his deployments, his 11.5-year battle with cancer, and the weeks and days leading up to his untimely passing.

Sonny is loved and remembered not only for his kind and gentle heart, but most especially for his strength, courage, and perseverance. He loved people, his family, and his friends. He adored his many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was always surrounded by children. Sonny was adventurous and enjoyed running, swimming, snorkeling, and skiing. He was very spiritual and would quietly reflect and meditate—whenever and wherever  he could. He loved life, traveling, experiencing great food and music, and was a great singer and dancer. He had an amazing spirit and radiated love and light wherever he was. He was a dear friend to all and will be so deeply missed.

Sonny is survived by his

Wife: Vivian Burks, Olympia, WA.

Father: Cleophus Burks, Jr. (Rose), Jacksonville, NC

Mother: Zenaida Burks, Jacksonville, NC

Father-in-law: Lorenzo Quitugua, Lacey, WA.

Sister: Jennette Anderson (Kent), Midway Park, NC

Sister-in-law: Vicky Quitugua (Kenny), Olympia, WA.

Sister-in-law: Karen Stillwell (Rick), Buffalo, KY.

Brother: Eric Burks (Dana), Torrence, CA.

Brother: Chris Burks (Georgeania), Oceanside, CA.

Brother: Brian Shook, Westfield, IN

Brother-in-law: Larry Quitugua (Jen), Lacey, WA.

Brother-in-law: Lance Quitugua (Mary Ann), Tacoma, WA.

Brother-in-law: Jr. Peneueta (Brandy), Lacey, WA.

Nieces and Nephews: 34

Great-nieces and nephews: 35

He is preceded in death by his Mother-in-law, Juanita “Annie” Quitugua.

Funeral services will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home, and Sonny will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery with Military Honors.

Memorial donations can be made to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or UW Medicine.