Mr. Frederick L. Burks was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Covenant Healthcare, under the comfort of his loving wife and the diligent care of his doctors and nursing staff. Fred was the youngest of seven children. He was born June 2, 1954, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Robert Lee and Lavern (Cornwell) Burks.
Fred attended Bay City Central in Bay City, Michigan and Essexville Garber High School in Essexville, Michigan, where he excelled academically and athletically. Fred was an outstanding athlete in high school, earning 1st team all-conference in football and basketball, while receiving multiple college offers. Fred also loved martial arts. He trained in the art of Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do under the guidance and teaching of Master Jim Kleinfeld, where he obtained a 4th Dan Black Belt. He also passed down the knowledge and teachings to his children and anyone else who was willing to learn.
Fred was well-known throughout Saginaw and Bay City for his generosity and ambition, along with the love of his wife, children, family and friends. In Fred’s earlier years he started a program called “Will to Read” designed to help youth with different reading strategies and at the same time providing them with a safe haven. In addition to being an avid sports enthusiast Fred created the “Freddie Mondane” 3-on-3 basketball tournament which was well-known throughout Bay City. He also instilled the love of sports in his children and mentored them as they competed throughout their school years. While Fred loved sports, he had a passion for helping others which inspired him and his wife, Michelle to create a non-profit organization called JABKA -Alternative Choices 4 Excellence (A.C.E.). The name was inspired by his five children which is the first letter of each of their names. Fred and Michelle set out to help at-risk youth from the ages 13 and older providing them with resources to become the best men and women they could be. Whether it was conducting workforce seminars, non-violent rallies, food and clothes drives, tutoring sessions, basketball camps, field trips, youth revivals, and car shows. Fred remained involved with the youth and community.
Anyone who knew Fred knew one of his many God given gifts was networking. He used that to bring people together from all walks of life. In addition, he started his own technology company Advanced Technology Group (A.T.G). His company assisted businesses with their software, hardware, and overall system needs. For a personal project, Fred also owned and operated a successful jazz club, Diamond in the Rough, in Bridgeport, Michigan.
Fred leaves to cherish the never-ending memories with his loving and devoted wife, Michelle McMillan-Burks, of 26 ½ years; their three children Brennan, Kennedy, and Armand Burks; his two oldest sons, Justin and Austen Burks; his three sisters Essilene Pickett, Martha Burks, and Florice Williams; his brother, Albert “Albie” Burks. Fred also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews that loved him dearly; extended family; longtime friends, Mike Finney, Charles Goss and Ernest Wingate; special friends, Linda Cain, Rodney and Armelda Tucker, Sr., Rodney Tucker, Jr., and Conroy Williamson; childhood friends, Greg Coburn, Gary Leff, and Arnold Smith.
Mr. Frederick L. Burks was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Cool Bob” Burks; mother, Lavern (Cornwell) Burks; two brothers, Calvin and Joseph “Joe” Burks.
The family would like to express special thanks to Pastor David Weichert and Ames UMC Church family; our circle of family and friends; Avista and Staff; Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frederick Burks, please visit our flower store.