Ferdinand "Ferdie" John Burket, IV,  of Jourdanton, Texas, passed away at age 85 on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born January 9, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, to Ferdinand John Burket, III and Anna Regina Zotz Burket.

Raised in San Antonio, Ferd was a 1951 graduate of St. Gerard High School. He excelled in football, baseball and basketball, and he earned a full football scholarship to the University of Texas. While at UT he played quarterback and was a proud member of the National Championship Team of 1951 that won the Cotton Bowl.

After an injury, Ferd returned home to rehab, and later joined the US Army, playing football for them in Germany. After his military service, he received a football scholarship to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he met and later in 1959 became engaged to the love of his life, Glynda Ray. A year later Ferd and Glynda were married.

Ferd was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 14th round in 1959. He played for the Colts, followed by play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes for a total of six years.  While in the Canadian Football League (CFL), he set records for most yards rushing, longest punt and most touchdowns (5) in a single game; some of these records still stand today.  Ferd's accomplishments in sports were acknowledged by these honors:  St.Gerard's "Athlete of the Half-Century" and inductions into these Halls of Fame: St. Gerard High School, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and Pleasanton High School.

After a career-ending injury in the CFL, Ferd and Glynda returned to Texas, where he continued his love of sports as a coach, Athletic Director, and teacher at Pleasanton High School. He also invested his time and savings in his treasured career as a rancher and cattleman, surpassed only by his most important time spent in being a loving, supportive husband and father.

Those who knew Ferd would say "he was as tough as nails with a heart of gold".  He was also humble, hard-working, loyal and a man of deep conviction and strong morals.

Ferd is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Glynda Ray Burket, son Ferdinand John Burket V and fiancée, Melissa Martin Doss; and daughters, Lea Ann Burket Lake and husband Michael and Beth Burket McIntyre and husband Spencer.  His grandchildren also survive him: Landon Lake, Lucas Lake, Morgan McIntyre, Josh Burket, Jake Burket, and Mitchell McIntyre; plus his brother James Louis Burket and wife Carol, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Ferd will be on Friday, April 6, 2018 , from 2 - 9 PM at Hurley Funeral Home, Pleasanton. Family will receive visitors from 5-7 PM, preceding the 7 PM rosary. The funeral service will be on Saturday, April 7th at 10 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Jourdanton, followed by burial at the Jourdanton City Cemetery.

Those desiring may offer a tribute to Ferd at the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, TX,  75284-1125  The family wishes to acknowledge the loving, committed care given by the following caregivers: Amanda Dimas-Bonilla, Greg Hernandez, Gabriela Medrano, Cat Norton, and Pam Pietras.