Harold Melville Burks, age 90, of Spencer, lived to love his family and please the Lord. He peacefully went to rest with his Savior at 12:04 A.M. on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. He was born in Greene County, August 25, 1928, to Melvin and Lola (Turpin) Burks.

Harold was an expert mechanic, starting when he was just 13 years old. He worked many years in his own shop on Addie Road in Spencer. He went to work for Indiana University Motor Pool, working for 26 years, retiring in 1990. He continued into his late 80’s working on any kind of engine from his home; he always had a lawnmower on the carport to tinker with.

Harold loved his family and The Lord immensely. He especially had a wonderful connection with all his grandchildren. Everyone he met was a friend.

Harold married the love of his life, Maxine (Bruner) Burks on March 31, 1948. This year they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Together they had Karen Burks (Jim Rice) of Spencer and Kevin Burks (Nora) of Solsberry.

He was lovingly called Papaw by his 6 grandchildren, Jill (Joe) Smith of Bloomington, Lori (Matt) Lawyer of Odon, Ross Morgan of Bloomington, Rhea (Jason) Hollers of Bloomington, Rachel (Dale) Nicholson of Spencer, and Ashley Burks of Solsberry, his 7 great-grandchildren, Jenna & Josie Smith, Zach (Casey) Cornwell & Eli Cornwell, Michaela Morgan (Justin White), Tanner Hollers, and Tad Nicholson, and his 4 great-great grandchildren, Oaklyn & Rhett Cornwell, Hunter Hart, and Maleeah White.

He is also survived by brother-in-law, Lloyd (Kay) Bruner and sisters-in-law, Barbara (Otis) Freeman, Martha Terrell, Janet (Don) Hamm and Jacque Stigall, all of Spencer, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Harold was an avid outdoorsman. He loved all of God’s creation and spent most of his days outdoors. He enjoyed camping and made many friends and memories at Boggs and Sullivan. He was a fisherman, hunter, trapper, beekeeper, and gardner. He enjoyed sharing those talents with family and friends. No one could possibly count all the miles he’s walked mushroom and ginseng hunting.

Harold was a 53 year member of Highland Village Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers, Richard, Eugene, Warren, and Robert Lee Burks, and one great-grandchild, Cydney Hollers.

Visitation will be held at Highland Village Church of Christ, 4000 W. Third St, Bloomington on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 from 2-8 P.M., and Friday, Sept. 28th from 10 A.M. until the time of funeral service at 12 noon. Burial will follow at Gross Cemetery, SR 43, Whitehall.

Services are in care of West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home in Spencer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Village Church of Christ, in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.westparrishpedigo.com.