Ray E. Burkhart

Ray E. Burkhart, 82, of Dover, and formerly of Zoar, passed into the presence of his Lord on Saturday, January 4, 2025 in the Ohio’s Hospice Truman House following a long struggle with Parkinson’s.

Born May 7, 1942 in Dover, he was a son to the late Henry and Neva Grim Burkhart of Bolivar. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Junior, Robert, and John Burkhart; sisters, Esther Simon and Grace Renner.

Ray attended the Zoar School and graduated from Tuscarawas Valley High School in 1961. On July 27, 1963, Ray married Gwen Stilgenbauer, the love of his life, who survives. He possessed a strong work ethic. A Zoar resident for most of his life, he worked on several area farms as a young boy and a teen. Over the years, he was a truck driver and mechanic for several trucking companies. He hauled coal and gravel and did backhoe work and cut wood in addition to his full-time jobs. Ray was a talented musician, notably with the accordion, and played in a band for several years. He and Gwen owned and operated the J & L Restaurant in Zoar for three and a half years, adding the banquet room and dance floor. Ray was also a member of the First Christian Church in Dover.

In addition to his wife, Gwen he is also survived by his children, Barry (Gina) Burkhart of New Philadelphia, Brian (Penny) Burkhart of Carrollton, Robin (Dave) Lewis of Oklahoma, Brandon (Renee) Burkhart of New Franklin. All four children were athletes and Ray’s greatest joy was watching them compete. Eight grandchildren, Ty (Vinesha) Burkhart of Texas, Brock (Brittany) Burkhart of Clinton, Jordan Burkhart of New York, Nathan Lewis of North Carolina, Erin (Justin) Wiechec of Oklahoma, Landon, Madison and Ava Burkhart of New Franklin; three great grandchildren, Brayden and Brynnlee Burkhart and Bailey Burkhart; three step great grandchildren, Avaline and Gavin Frey and Teagan Steiner; brother, Thomas (MaryJane) Burkhart of Navarre and a sister, Ruth McCaulley of Dalton.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 8th starting at 1:30 pm in the First Christian Church, Dover with Josh Robinson officiating. Interment will be in the Ft. Laurens Cemetery at Bolivar. The family will be greeting friends at the church on Wednesday from 12:00 pm until 1:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church at 3029 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622 or to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House at 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.