Robert E. "Burky" Burkholder

Robert E. "Burky" Burkholder,

He was a handsome young man, born August 6th, 1927, in Lima, Ohio. Raised in Kenton, Ohio where he graduated High school. His proud parents were the late Ralph and Mary Burkholder and his late Stepmother Florine. Brothers Don and Jerry preceded him in death and another brother Phil who survives.
He held a letter of intent to play football for Ohio State University, but instead elected to serve our great country in the United States Army obtaining the rank of Staff Sergent.
He served in World War 2 and the Korean War.
In August 1949 he returned home to marry his sweetheart Florence Ward. Their life together was an adventure for 68 years.
Along the way they had three daughters, Dianna (Kenny) Armentrout, Barb Hayson, and Carol (Scott) Staley all of Lima.
They lived and traveled though out Europe while he was in the Army, and retired after 20 years of service. He was an expert marksman, competing in shooting competitions at Camp Perry, and also loved to bowl, winning many trophies in both sports.
After retiring from the Army he went to work for the Lima State Hospital where he retired.
He made a hobby into a business, Burky's Gun Shop, making bullets for area law enforcement agencies. He was a lifetime member of the Lima Sabres Club and the NRA.
He loved his grandchildren, Robb (Amy) Armentrout, Mike (Becky) Armentrout, Tim (Cammie) Armentrout, and Erin Staley.
His Great grandchildren, Amanda and Kelly, Ian and Claire, McKenzie, Parker and baby Oliver on the way.
They shared his life, Tennis matches, Dance recitals, Football and Volleyball games, Baseball and softball games, cow showings at the fair, he was there.
Great Grandson, Ian even presented him with a signed football from the Midget Football team for attending every single football game. He told everyone sitting around him, "That's our boy!"
He loved cookouts, bonfire, playing all types of cards and games and fishing at Lake Erie.
He truly enjoyed his last trip to Louisville, Kentucky in May of this year to visit and see his Granddaughter, Erin's new home.
He didn't know a stranger and was loved by so many.
We will miss him.
Friends may call Sunday Sept. 10th from 2-4pm, 6-8pm at the Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Sept. 11th at 10am at the funeral home. Pastor Art Wilde will officiate.
Entombment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
We wish to thank all the wonderful staff at Burton's Ridge and St. Rita's Hospice for their loving care.
Thank you Dr. Makwana, Dr. Shanmugam, Dr. Imler and all of their staff for their excellent care.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Lima Sabres Club and in honor of his father, Ralph, the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com

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