Gary L. Burkett, Sr.

Gary L. Burkett, Sr., 78, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 5:45 a.m., Thursday, February 1, 2024 at his home. 

He was born on May 15, 1945 in Rock Island, IL the son of Charles and Dorothy (Belt) Burkett.  He was raised and educated in Rock Island. 

Gary married Sandra G. Nickols on March 12, 1976 at the First Christian Church of Monmouth and she survives.

In his early years he worked as a delivery driver at Lou’s Italian Village.  He later was a truck driver for Thompson Trucking.

He was a member of the Monmouth Eagles Club and the Monmouth VFW.  Gary loved fishing, old cars, car shows, driving and riding motorcycles and his dogs.  His joy was spending time with his grandchildren and dressing as Santa Claus.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Burkett of Monmouth, IL; his children, George “Peewee” (Annette Bundy) Shultz, Chris Shultz, Gary L. Burkett II, Tara Williams and Tricia Burkett; his grandchildren, Mackenzie Burkett, Christopher Shultz II, Zachery Lantau, Chase Shultz, Tory Shultz and Felicia Maynard; several great grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Smith along with nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by parents; brothers, Randy Burkett, Charles “Barney” Burkett and Larry Coffelt; his special dog, Tilly

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.  Memorials can be made to the Gary L. Burket, Sr. Memorial Fund and sent to the funeral home.  McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.