Roses and black ribbon mark passing of Heritage in Flight Museum directors

[October 01, 2016]  LINCOLN - If you pass by Heritage in Flight Museum this week, you will see a rose swag hung in remembrance of two board directors. Marvin Shumaker of Bloomington/Normal died on Saturday morning and John 'Jack' Burke of Cerro Gordo passed on Sunday morning.

Burke was an original HIF board member and the driving force that brought the aviation museum to Lincoln from Springfield in the 1980's.

Burke served as HIF's curator in recent years. He was responsible for procuring much of the extensive collection of aviation related artifacts and a significant flight-line of historic aircraft.

Burke also facilitated the grant that provided necessary major structural renovations to the historic WWII Camp Ellis building, which houses local and national aviation and military artifacts and local memorabilia, such as news reports and letters from soldiers.

Shumaker was a long-time board member who was most appreciated for his sense of humor. He served the museum aiding in maintenance, projects, set-up and participation in special events.

Both men served in the military, Burke in the Air Force and Marvin in the Army as a paratrooper. Both men were also aviators with a passion to share aviation and its history with others.

Burke and Shumaker's presence at Heritage in Flight will be greatly missed.

[Jan Youngquist]