Harry K. Burke

Palmer resident Harry K. Burke, 87, passed away Dec. 15 at home of natural causes.

Mr. Burke was born Sept. 4, 1921 in Las Vegas, N.M.

Harry attended Socorro School of Mines and received his bachelors degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He also attended University of Idaho and received his Masters degree in Engineering.

He enlisted in the Navy on Nov. 7, 1942 and served in World War II. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 16, 1946.

Mr. Burke moved to Palmer in 1987

After the military, Mr. Burke had multiple jobs. He worked in Morenci, Ariz., to 1952; Magma Copper Co.,, San Manuel, Ariz., from 1955-1969; Anaconda Mining Inc., Chuquicamata, Chile from 1969-1970; Lornex Mining Corp., Rio Algom Mines, Vancouver Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada 1970-1972; Pala Mining Comp. Rio Tinto Group Phalaborwoa, South Africa from 1972-1976; Sterns-Rogers Inc., Denver, Colo., from 1978-1981

Mr. Burke was a member of Masonic Affiliation — the grand lodge of AF and AM of New Mexico, Socorro, N. M.,; York Rite of Freemasonary, Safford, Ariz.,; Order of Yellow Dogs, Albuquerque, N. M.,; Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Inc.; Order of the Eastern Star.

Mr. Burke received the Boy Scouts of America, silver beaver award Jan. 27, 1968

His hobbies and special interests were his family, geology, fishing, hunting and traveling.

His family wrote: “Harry enjoys spending time with his family, camping, hunting and fishing. Harry was active in the community such as Boy Scouts, Masons and the Republican party. He will always be held close to our hearts and never forgotten.”

Harry is survived by his wife Lillian D. Burke of Palmer; daughters Kathleen Jo Burke and Michelle Kelly Freeman; sons Brian Templeton Burke and Mark Judd Burke; and grandsons Daniel and Billie Freeman.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.