Fr. Thomas Burk (1865-1926)

Father Thomas passed away Burk passed away August 23, 1926.

Father Thomas died at the Sabetha Hospital of a heart condition in the arms of confrere Father Raymond Woydziak, O.S.B.  From all accounts he battled with a poor heart seemingly all his life, yet that did not slow him down one bit except at the end.  An account in the Courier-Tribune of Seneca has this anecdote illustrating his sense of humor and tenacity:  “Just before he was taken to the hospital a caller at the parish house remarked in an undertone a hope for a change for the better in his (Thomas’) condition, ‘Change?’ asked the priest? Why Yes, Father Raymond has a box of it on the mantel piece!” 

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Persons Catholic and non-Catholic praised Father Thomas so very highly upon his death for his great energy in Church and civic affairs.  One put it this way, “There was never a time when Father Thomas was mealy-mouthed.”  Or another, “There were times when he seemed to deliberately invite criticism; when perhaps he was censured for lack of tactfulness.  It is doubtful that he cared very much about tact.”  He was noted in Burlington, Iowa, for his speech for the Grand Army of the Republic.  

From the gathering of glowing tributes to Father Thomas in the Abbey archives, perhaps he would be a fit subject for a documentary!  He was a native of New Orleans and, no doubt, brought some of that Cajun spirit to Kansas.