Keith O'Leary Burton

Keith O’Leary Burton died on May 16th 2021 surrounded by his family in Bristol, Indiana. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Linda M. Burton (Eiswald), his two children Dean Burton (Adriana) and Tonia Burton – Price (Ronald), six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  Keith was born in Elkhart, Indiana on May 12, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents Madalean (Doll) and Thomas K. Burton, his brother Thomas B. Burton, and sister Jacqueline E. Ravenscroft.  Keith attended Elkhart High School and graduated in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957 to 1960.  He later worked at Wright Construction Company in Elkhart, IN.  In the early 1970’s Keith formed BurKin Homes with his then business partner and friend Roger King.  Keith designed and patented an innovative folding roof system used in the construction and assembly of modular A-Frame homes, allowing them to be built in White Pigeon, Michigan and shipped to nearly all 50 states. He later formed Burton Construction, Inc. and left an indelible mark upon Elkhart and St. Joseph counties by designing and building some of the most beautiful and unique homes in Northern Indiana, most of which are located on the Upper St. Joseph River.  Keith loved the outdoors and was an avid tennis player.  In is early years he loved sailing, water and snow skiing, activities he shared with his wife, children and grandchildren.  Keith spent his retirement years in Bonita Springs Florida.  He particularly enjoyed his time living on Bonita Beach jet skiing and swimming.  Keith and Linda enjoyed traveling the world together and managed to visit every state. Keith was known as a generous man always willing to help a friend or neighbor in need. He had a keen sense of humor which he continued to display to his final days.  Keith loved his life and his family and carried with him his strong faith in God.

A memorial and celebration of life service will be held on Saturday May 22nd 11 am at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where a gathering for friends and family will occur from 10 am to 11 am immediately prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com