Eldon Burke

Eldon Leroy Burke

“Rody”

1940-2021

Our beloved dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend slipped into eternal rest on May 28, 2021, surrounded by family.

Eldon was born on January 27, 1940 to Elden and Elayne Burke in Caliente, Nevada.  He was the second child born and had four sisters, Yvonne, Sharon, LaDean, and Susie. He gave himself the nickname “Rody” when he was little. His mom divorced and remarried when they were young. Howard Smith helped to raise and guide them.

He had two daughters Kellie and Dora with his first wife, Sharon. They later divorced. He married Darlene Andrews on May 1, 1970. They spent most of their married life in Magna, Utah raising their blended family of 6 children. He enjoyed taking his kids fishing. Eldon and Dora were featured in The Field and Stream magazine for a fish they caught. Eldon shared his recipe he used to cook the fish. The kids have so many memories from the fishing trips they went on.

He worked as an ironworker, taxi-driver, and a custodian. He retired from the Granite School District after 27 years as the head night custodian at Kearns Junior High.

He played many musical instruments and was in a few bands throughout the years. He produced and recorded his own music. He did not read sheet music and composed by ear. He produced countless tapes and CD’s of his music. He performed for Ray and Michelle at their wedding.

He loved being a grandpa. He spent lots of time surrounded by his grand and great grandchildren while playing his music. His grandkids awarded him with a lifetime membership into the “World’s Greatest Grandpa Club.” He loved to share his life stories with them.

He volunteered countless hours for the V.F.W. Magna-Garfield Post 7398 and received a social lifetime membership. They had a retirement party for him at the post. The members valued his service and loved to see him.

Eldon leaves behind his children: Ray (Michelle) Dumas, Dora (Dave) Colby, Tina (Michael) Norton, Dennis Burke, Anita (Doug) Belt. Grandchildren: Kim (David), Matt (Jenna), Becky (Diego), Shelby (Lewis), Misty (Raymond), Michelle, Amanda, Samantha, and Darrin.

Great grandchildren: Anthony, Maddie, Callie, Justice, Matti, Bella, Ryu, Mackenzie, Parker, Shay, Leah, Maci, Michael and Bridger. Great-great grandchild: Milo. Sisters: LaDean Savage, Susan Knight. Many nieces and nephews and many friends.

Eldon was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Burke, parents Elden Burke, Elayne and Howard Smith; his daughter Kellie Burke; sisters Yvonne (Orson) Anderson, Sharon (Steve) Shelton.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday June 19, 2021 at 10:00 with visitation from 9:00-10:00 AM prior, at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. Bountiful, UT 84010.

Interment of Eldon and Darlene Burke will follow at Pleasant Green Cemetery 9200 West 3500 South  Magna, UT 84044.

Luncheon following the cemetery at Misty and Raymond’s house 4020 South Brandon Ct. W.V.C. UT, 84128.