Paul Michael "Mike" Burk

Paul Michael "Mike" Burk, 76, of Goshen, died Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born June 10, 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Anna and Paul Burk at Bethesda Memorial Hospital and was raised in Ligonier. After high school, he joined the Army and served six years. He was a drill instructor but distinguished himself in the military by becoming a flight instructor at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After his service, he spent time in Texas where he hosted radio broadcast shows and a children's television show. A self-made business man, Mike was the owner and operator of Vanguard of Northern Indiana, a security alarms company for local homes and businesses. Many also remember his as the owner and operator of Grandma's Whiskey Store and Crow Bar in Goshen. A staunch believer in the right to bear arms, he was an avid defender of the 2nd amendment. He enjoyed attending gun shows and received many accolades for excellent marksmanship, including finishing with honors at the 2nd National Firearms Association matches held at the Knob Creek Range in West Point, Ken. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was preceded in death by his beloved companion, Alice "Gypsy" Travis. Mike was a very unique individual and will be greatly missed by those who loved and called him friend.