Michael Lee Burbank
February 18, 1970 - October 11, 2004
Obituary
Michael Lee Burbank
Born February 18, 1970 in Norfolk, VA; died while giving the ultimate sacrifice for his country, October 11, 2004 in Mosul, Iraq. Michael grew up in Grand Ronde, OR, moving to Bremerton, WA at the age of 14. He graduated from Bremerton High School 1998. He then attended Eton Technical School and Olympic Community College. He married Shawna Culley on April 15, 1995 and enlisted in the US Army January 23, 1996. Michael loved the outdoors which included hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a big Mariners fan and an avid reader. Michael was a decorated soldier receiving several awards including the Army Achievement Medal, Army Accommodation Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. Michael is survived by his beloved wife Shawna Burbank; parents Kenny and Dorothy Burbank; sisters Laura Alberto, and Linda Burbank; paternal grandmother Susan Read; maternal grandparents Laura and Lee Kalles, and maternal grandfather Marvin Jackson; father and mother-in-law Brant and Pam Culley; sister-in-laws Britany and Brooke Culley; brother-in-law Brock Culley, and grandmother Dorothy Culley. Memorial Service Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 2:00PM at Main Post Chapel, Fort Lewis, WA. Visitation Wednesday, October 20th, 2:00 – 7:00PM at BONNEY-WATSON Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Pt. Rd., Federal Way 253 839-7317. Funeral Service Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 9:00AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lakewood Stake Center, 10018 Farwest Dr. SW., Lakewood, WA. Interment will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery.
I didn’t know your husband, son, brother, grandson, but I do want to extend my sympathy at your loss and just say thank you for his and your sacrifice. I am a citizen of the United States of America and appreciate he and all the other military personnel out there keeping us safe. God Bless!
Linda and Dorothy, we are very sorry for your loss and want to let you know that we are praying for you and your family and please know that we are here for you.
Michael was my brother, my big brother. He was an uncle to our three beautiful children. We will all miss him terribly. He is our hero! May he watch over us all, and may we all find comfort in each other and our memories. Bless him.
Laura & Joel Alberto
Erin, Jason, & Sean
Michael was my big brother. Any thing that you ask him to do he did not have to think about it he just did it. I know we will miss him very much, but he will always be with us in our hearts. I love you Bones.
Love worm Linda
Michael was my only son,he was my oldest child.I loved him because he was such a special person. He always used to say don’t worry mom, I will protect all of you. I am proud of you son. You are my hero.
Love Always MOM Dorothy
We were stationed with Michael & Shawna at Fort Lewis 98-01. We were GREAT friends…enjoying many good times together, of BBQing, camping, etc… Michael was such a great person and loved his wife and family sooo much, and wanted nothing more than a family of his own. Shawna WE ARE SO SORRY!!! Just know that Michael is a TRUE HERO and will ALWAYS be remembered! We love you! Stay strong and GOD BLESS!! The Schweighauser Family
Mike was a very good friend of mine and I will miss him greatly, as will all that knew him. He always had a smile and a way of helping you get through the rough spots. I feel honored to have known him and I am a better person now because of him. I will meet you at Fiddler’s Green Mike.
SSG Michael Burbank, a Great American Soldier. The Army and our Nation has lost one of our Greatest. May God give you the strength to face the days ahead. Michael will always be a member of Apocalypse Troop.
Jorge & Pilar Figueroa.
Shawna, I’m somewhat at a loss for words with your recent loss of Michael. I remember you from junior & senior high school, and I wanted to offer my sincerest sympathy for your loss. I hope all realize the cost of freedom, as I know you and the rest of Michael’s family unfortunately know too well. I wish you comfort during your times of grief and appreciation for Michael’s ultimate service to our country. God Bless!
Mike, Christina, Morgan & Sydney