Robert was one of seventeen children of a sharecropper. Before he departed this life on earth, he received Christ as his Savior.

After being drafted into the United States Army and serving a tour in Vietnam, Robert moved to Chicago, Illinois where he met his former wife Bernadette Berry.  From this union, they had three children.

In the late 1970's, Robert and his new family moved to California, where he had a career in law enforcement of more than 25 years. During his career in law enforcement, Robert was an advocate for his fellow officers and community, bringing to light discriminatory practices against officers of color within his department and speaking out against racial profiling.  Although Robert retired at an early age, he continued his advocacy for his community, volunteered his time to assist others navigating the criminal justice system, assisted his extended family with creating financial independence, and a host of other activities.  Robert had lots of fun as well. One of the things that brought him great joy was cruising. The Cayman Islands, Belize, Jamaica, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Bahamas, and Costa Rica, are among the many places he saw on his journey of life.  He was a devoted father, grandfather, loving partner, and consummate friend.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Burks; grandson, Amir Hassan Beaven; brothers, Ike Burks and Bobby Burks; and sisters, Lorene Pendleton, Esterlene McWilliams, and Marice Burks.

Robert is survived by his mother, Sadie Mae Burks of Chicago IL; son, Melvin Elton Burks of Riverside CA; daughters, Arrissia Lynette Beaven of Perris CA, and Andrea Selena (William James Jr.) Cyprian of Spanish Fort AL; grandchildren, Kierra Janay Cyprian, Christina Renee Cyprian, Amare Jaleal Beaven, and William James Cyprian III; partner of 8 years, Masniari Sihombing-Rogers; brothers, Walter (Bertha) Burks, Donnie Burks, Eddie (Winnie) Burks, Ronnie Burks, Richard Burks, and Algarian (Sherry) Burks; sisters, Earlene (Clarence deceased) Clemons, Pearlene Burks, Mary Edmonds, Gloria (Alex) Carter, and Rell Burks-Murphy; in-laws, Roye Ann (Bobby deceased) Burks and Eddie (Esterlene deceased) McWilliams; and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

A Private Graveside Service will be held

Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at

Burks family Cemetery in Huntsville, AL.

Apostle Calvin J. Meadows- Officiating.