Keith E. Burke, 93, of Las Cruces, NM, formerly of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Las Cruces.
Keith was born October 27, 1932, in Monmouth, IL, the son of Frances E. and Gladys (Bowers) Burke. He attended Immaculate Conception School in Monmouth before graduating from Monmouth High School in 1951. Keith went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Monmouth College in 1954 and later earned his Master’s degree in Chemistry from Iowa State University.
Keith proudly served in the United States Air Force.
Keith worked as an analytical chemist. He began his career conducting research for the Atomic Energy Commission while attending Iowa State University. He worked for the International Nickel Company (INCO) in NJ beginning in 1961. He later worked for the United Nations in Paramaribo, Suriname, and Muscat, Oman. Keith was then employed by McLouth Steel in Detroit, MI. In 1986, he joined Lockheed/NASA at White Sands National Laboratory in Las Cruces, NM. He later worked at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces as a laboratory technician and Manager of Scientific Instruments.
Keith enjoyed attending opera performances, especially those featuring the works of Richard Wagner and The Ring Cycle. Music remained an important part of his life until the end. He also enjoyed theater, genealogy, family history research, and traveling. Keith traveled extensively throughout his life and enjoyed learning about different cultures and meeting new people, making friends in many countries around the world. He looked forward to returning to Monmouth each year to spend the holidays with his family, bringing with him photographs and stories from his travels.
Surviving is his sister, Nancy St. Ledger of Monmouth, IL; two nephews, Raymond St. Ledger and Kevin St. Ledger; and several cousins and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-in-law, Dean St. Ledger; one nephew, David St. Ledger; two nieces, Aileen and Alisa St. Ledger; his cousin, Rosemary Burke; and his longtime friend and caregiver, Gerald Etcitty.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Church, Monmouth, IL. A Rosary Service will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Monmouth. Memorials can be given to the Keith Burke Memorial Fund and can be sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
