Hall of Honor 2007

Ernest Jefferson Burkes, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.

YHS Class of 1957

Jeff Burkes, oral and forensic pathologist, is a master of microscopic examination of tissue samples to diagnose and treat diseases of the mouth. For 32 years (1969-2001) he was at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, with appointments in the School of Medicine and Department of Diagnostic Sciences. His certifications as Fellow, American Academy of Oral Pathology, and Diplomate, American Board of Oral Pathology, attest to esteem accorded him by peers. Jeff received 18 achievement awards in his field, several for teaching excellence, ending with the American College of Dentists’ Outstanding Faculty Award in 2000. He wrote or co-authored over 70 published scientific articles. He is an internationally known speaker in his field. After graduating high school in 1957, he entered rigorous training for his career by earning the B.S. in pre-dentistry at Baylor University, D.D.S. at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, and M.S. in oral pathology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He was a captain in the U.S. Air Force during his general dentistry internship. Born in Marlin in 1939, he is the son of the late E. J. and Henrietta Burkes, both well-known citizens in Cameron prior to their own removal to the East Coast. Jeff honored his mother’s public school teaching career by setting up the Henrietta Burkes Teachers Award Fund in Milam County Community Foundation.

C.H. and CAROLINE YOE FOUNDATION FUND • 707 East 16th Street • Cameron, TX 76520