Skee Burkes was a bronc rider, oilfield supervisor and leather worker who died in a tragic accident at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo on September 9, 2023. He was 26 years old at the time of his death. He was known for his remarkable personality, creativity and faith. He left behind a legacy of love and laughter for his family and friends.
Early Life and Education
Skeeter Don Burkes was born on June 18, 1997, in Matador, Texas. He was the son of Dee Ann Littlefield and the late Billy Burkes. He had two sisters, Kelsey and Kassidy. He grew up in Henrietta, Texas, and attended Henrietta High School. He graduated in 2015 and was voted as the most humorous in his class.
Burkes had a passion for art and music since he was a child. He loved things from the past, such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and vintage era items. He was an expert in restoring old furniture and cars. He also played guitar and sang in his own unique style. He performed at the Henrietta Cowboy Church and other venues.
Skee Burkes was a devout Christian who loved Jesus and led several people to the Lord. He helped his bus driver, Rob Simmons, find faith and get baptized at the Henrietta Cowboy Church. He also participated in mission trips to Mexico and Guatemala.
Biodata
| Name | Skeeter Don Burkes |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Skee |
| Date of Birth | June 18, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Matador, Texas |
| Date of Death | September 9, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Abilene, Texas |
| Cause of Death | Rodeo accident |
| Occupation | Oilfield supervisor, leather worker, and bronc rider |
| Net Worth | $500,000 (estimated) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Parents | Dee Ann Littlefield and Billy Burkes (deceased) |
| Siblings | Kelsey and Kassidy Burkes |
| Girlfriend | Kaitlyn Smith |
| Dogs | Hank and Waylon |
| Favorite Singers | Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan |
| Facebook Account | See Here |
| Homepage | wikicelebs.com |
Career and Net Worth
Skee had a successful career as an oilfield supervisor for Cactus Drilling Company. He worked hard and earned respect from his co-workers and bosses.
He was also a talented leather worker who owned his own business, Skee’s Leather Works. He made custom leather products such as belts, wallets, purses and holsters. Skee Burkes was planning to open his own shop soon.
Skee was also a skilled bronc rider who competed in rodeo events across Texas. He entered the rodeo through the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA), which combines several regional associations with great rodeo history. He participated in the Ranch Bronc riding event, which involves riding a wild horse for eight seconds without any saddle or rein.
According to some sources, Burkes had an estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of his death. However, this figure has not been verified by any official source.
Personal Life and Relationships
Burkes was not married but he had a girlfriend named Kaitlyn Smith. They had been dating for about two years and were very happy together. They shared a love for animals and had two dogs named Hank and Waylon.
Skee also had many friends who admired his personality and humor. He was known for being adventurous, easygoing and fun-loving. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. He also liked to make jokes and pranks on others.
As per wikicelebs.com sources, Skee Burkes was very close to his family, especially his mother Dee Ann Littlefield. She described him as the most talented, hilarious, artistic, musical and retro person she ever knew. She said he was memorable and unforgettable to everyone who met him.
Death Cause
Skee Burkes died on September 9, 2023, at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene, Texas. He was participating in the Ranch Bronc riding event when he was bucked off his horse and landed on his head. The horse then stepped on his head unintentionally, causing fatal injuries.
Emergency responders rushed to Skee’s aid but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident occurred during the first event of the night and shocked everyone who witnessed it.
The West Texas Fair & Rodeo and Expo Center Board of Directors expressed their condolences to Skee’s family and friends. They also set up a fund to help with funeral expenses for the young cowboy.
Skee’s funeral service was held on September 17, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Matador, Texas. His burial followed at the East Mound Cemetery in Matador.
Trivia
- His full name was Skeeter Don Burkes but he went by Skee.
- Skee used to listen to Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.
- His all-time favorite movie was Forrest Gump.
- Turquoise was his one of favorite color.
- Skee loved to eat chicken fried steak.
- He shared an incredible relationship with horses.
- Skee’s favorite hobby was leather working.
Q/A
Q: When and where was Skee Burkes born?
A: He was born on June 18, 1997 in Matador, Texas.
Q: What did Skee Burkes do for a living?
A: He was an oilfield supervisor, a leather worker and a bronc rider.
Q: Who were Skee Burkes’ parents?
A: Skee’s parents were Dee Ann Littlefield and the late Billy Burkes.
Q: Who was Skee Burkes’ girlfriend?
A: Burkes’ girlfriend was Kaitlyn Smith.
Q: How did Skee Burkes die?
A: He died on September 9, 2023 at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene, Texas. He was bucked off his horse and landed on his head. The horse then stepped on his head unintentionally, causing fatal injuries.
Q: Where was Skee Burkes buried?
A: Skee was buried at the East Mound Cemetery in Matador, Texas.
Q: What were some of Skee Burkes’ talents?
A: He had talents in art, music, leather working and bronc riding.
Q: What were some of Skee Burkes’ interests?
A: Skee had interests in vintage era items, hunting, fishing, camping and traveling.
