E. (Ernest) “Dwayne” Burks, age 81, of Blue Springs, MO passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2026, at Jefferson Healthcare of Lee’s Summit, MO.
Dwayne was born on January 6, 1945, in Fordland, MO to Carlos Alek “CA” Burks and Ester “Lorene” (Lair) Burks. He and wife, Penny Livesay Burks, were married July 5, 1993.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Penny Livesay Burks of Blue Springs, MO, his children, son Gregory Burks of Perris, CA, daughter Heather (Jeff) Nelson of Oak Park, IL, stepson Marty O’Shia (Deb Whiteside) of Kansas City, MO, stepson Patrick “PJ” O’Shia (Mitzi) of Calimesa, CA, granddaughter Brittany Burks and great-granddaughter Kayden Blackburn of Yucaipa, CA, grandson Austin Nelson (Jacqueline) of Chicago, IL, grandson Andrew Nelson of Missoula, MT, granddaughter Ruby Nelson of Oak Park, IL, grandson Kody Burks of Perris, CA; grandson Tucker O’Shia (Raven) great-granddaughter Anderson Lou O’Shia of Torrence, CA and great-grandson Patrick Nelson of Chicago, IL; brother Eddie Burks of Fordland, MO, and a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Burks, sister Kathleen Maddux, and sister-in-law June Burks.
Graduated from Fordland High School in 1962; graduated from College of the School of the Ozarks in 1964 with an Associate of Science degree in Engineering; graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering; graduated from Troy State University in 1978 with a Master of Science degree in Personnel Management, at the same time, also graduated from the United States Air Force Air Command and Staff College. During and subsequent to above degrees, supplemented education by attending specialized courses at the University of Southern California, New York University, Wright State University, Harvard University, Oklahoma University and the University of California-Sacramento.
Holder of licenses and certifications: Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Professional Engineer (PE) and ISO 45001 Certified. Retired in 2000 from Federal Government Civil Service employment after working for the United States Air Force for 34 years as a Civilian Safety Engineer/Manager. Following working for the U.S. Air Force, Dwayne worked for Washington Group International at Johnston Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, Interstate Baking Corporation (Wonder bread and Twinkies), Alliant TechSystems (ATK), Orbital ATK, Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, American Marksman, George Butler and Associates and Defense Logistics Corporation. Worked as a Professional Safety Engineer for more than 50 years with final retirement in 2019 at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Independence, MO. After retiring Dwayne spent time playing golf three or four times per week, his favorite hobby. Member of the Fraternal Order of Elks since 1993.
There were no strangers in Dwayne’s world. He made everyone feel like a friend. His quirky sense of humor and generosity to family and friends will be remembered and deeply missed.
Obituary submitted by the family
Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri
Chris
27 Jul 2026Dwayne was such a monumental influence on me as a person. His kind, gentle, and helpful spirit was just who he was as a person. I will miss your humor and your funny jokes you used to share with everyone at the Lake. Your friend, Chris.
Chris Cygan
28 Jul 2026Dwayne was a larger than life influence on me while I was working at the Lake. He was an amazing human being with his gentle, kind and helpful spirit was infectious to everyone around him. His quirky humor and that terrific gregarious laugh he had was just a small part of what made Dwayne so amazing. I still miss his weekly jokes he would send or tell always that would bring joy and happiness to those around him. Penny, I’m deeply sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you during this time of grief for you and your family.
David and Joan Howard
28 Jul 2026Dwayne was our neighbor, our friend, and my co-worker. The first time we met the Burks, we were both building our homes in Grain Valley. We discovered that we had bought the same floor plans from California. We stopped to ask Dwayne how he liked the new house and he invited us in. I think Penny was surprised to see total strangers wandering through her house, but she was so gracious and gave us the tour . Later we found out that Dwayne was my co-worker. We enjoyed some wonderful times with him and Penny. Dwayne was kind, funny and never knew a stranger. May he Rest In Eternal Peace. Our prayers and condolences to Penny and the family. 🙏🏼
Lew Monteil
28 Jul 2026Dwayne was a genuine and wonderful person. We seen each other at the Elks Lodge occasionally and at Lake City. We both shared the same birthday and I loved his uncontrolled laugh. He was a joy to talk to.
May his soul rest at peace at the right hand of the heavenly Father.
Cindy park
28 Jul 2026Dwayne I can say was one of the most honest fun people that I ever worked with and a good friend. I was afraid to see him while he was sick because he was alway so brilliant and I wanted to remember him that way. I will be praying for the family and especially Penny. I hope heaven has a lot of golf courses, explosives testing, beer, and hot flavored peanuts. See you my friend.
Ron Baker
28 Jul 2026Dwayne was a great guy. Never an unkind word for anyone. I always enjoyed his company. He will be greatly missed. RIP my friend.