Raymond Olney Burke

Raymond Olney Burke was born in Montesano, Washington on Feb. 1, 1935, the son of Clyde and Mary (Round) Burke. Raymond died at his home under hospice care, in Rapid City, South Dakota, surrounded by his family, on the evening of March 4, 2026.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 69 years, Regina (VanHorn) Burke; children, Robert (Lorri) Burke, Richard (Raeleen) Burke, Ramona (Gene) Foster, and Rose Burke (Nancy Connell); 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; his brother, Bruce (Jane) Burke; and several other relatives. His children and grandchildren were very important to him. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mary Burke; brothers, Roy Burke and Keith Burke.

Raymond grew up on the farm his grandfather homesteaded in Brooklyn, Washington. He attended country school and graduated from North River High School in Brooklyn, Washington in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on Jan. 21, 1954, in Seattle, Washington. Raymond was stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio.

While there, he met a nursing student named Regina VanHorn. The two of them were united in marriage on June 16, 1956, in Aberdeen, Washington. To this union four children were born: Robert in Ohio, Richard and Ramona in England, and Rose in Washington. While Raymond moved from base to base, the family would pack up to see different parts of the world and U.S. Raymond retired with the rank of SM SGT from Ellsworth AFB on July 31, 1974. Raymond considered himself privileged to have traveled the world, seeing different cultures.

Raymond worked as an Electronic Technician at Ellsworth AFB in the civil service division, fully retiring in 1999. He was a life member of the VFW and NRA and was also active in the TREA. Raymond enjoyed hunting, fishing and cruising as Raymond and Regina enjoyed 20 cruises together.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday March 11 at Kirk Funeral Home. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online register book.

Memorials may be directed to any organization connected to veterans.

The service will be Livestreamed for those unable to attend and the video will be available for 90 days.