Harold Eugene “Gene” Burkey, 84, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2016 in Chandler, Arizona. Gene, husband of Wilma Rice Burkey and father to Michael Burkey, Jeannine Shaw and Lynn Gregory was formerly a resident of Anaconda, Montana and in later years, Sahuarita and Kearny, Arizona and finally retiring to Sun Lakes, Arizona. Gene worked in the copper mining and smelting industry for more than 40 years.
Gene was a dedicated Sportsman, distinguishing himself in high school basketball, softball, track, football and in later life golf, bowling, sports officiating, hunting and fishing. An outgoing personable man, he made many friends and will be much missed by his family, including his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all whose life he has touched. Eventually, if you’re tempted to play a round with Gene on the Celestial Golf Course, be warned not to bet against him … just saying.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 9, at 2 p.m., at Chandler United Methodist Church in Chandler, Arizona, 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.