Eldon Burkhart

Eldon M. Burkhart, 63, of Axtell, went to be with his heavenly Father while surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 13, 2008.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, August 15 at the OakCrest Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at White Rock Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd. A memorial video will be shown during the visitation and prior to the funeral service.

Eldon was born March 19, 1945 in Burkburnett, Texas to Munroe and Ellen Lewis Burkhart. He was employed at Waco Meat Service for 27 years before retiring this year due to his illness.

Some of Eldon's fondest memories are of his Dad being a minister of the Nazarene Church for 50 years. He lived in many places as a young child. He had special memories of growing up at the old Nazarene Church camp grounds in Waco. His father pastored the East Waco Church of the Nazarene. He had so many friends from his childhood from that East Waco Church.

Eldon was a lifetime member of the Church of the Nazarene and was an active member for 15 years at the First Church of the Nazarene. He was loved by all his church friends.

Eldon enjoyed being a mechanic and was well known for his ability to accomplish the impossible. He and his loving wife, Sally, enjoyed dining out with friends, traveling and just being with each other. He also loved NASCAR and the Dallas Cowboys.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gene Burkhart and Leo Burkhart.

He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Sally Mickler Burkhart; sons, Richard Burkhart and wife, Shelly of Dakota City, Nebraska, Kevin Franklin and wife Jaclyn of Waco; daughters, Nadine Burkhart of Waco, Melodie Thompson and husband, Stacy of Marion, Texas, Kimberly Miller and husband, Walter of Gholson and Judy Morgan of Gholson; brother, James Burkhart of Lavernia, Texas; sisters, Selma Broomfield and husband, Al of Burkburnett and Elizabeth McMinn and husband, Jimmy of Greenville.

He was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, brother and sister-in-laws.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Hillcrest Hospice and especially to hospice caregivers Virginia, Jannell and Mindy.

A special thanks to Dr. Timothy Schiller and Dr. Brindley for their compassion and concern.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed in Eldon's memory to Hillcrest Hospice, 3115 Pine Ave., Suite 408 Waco 76708.