Wayne J. Burkhart

Wayne J. Burkhart, 81, of Strasburg, and formerly of Tuscarawas, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 13, 2018.

Born July 7, 1937 in Penobscot, Pennsylvania he was a son of the late Charles and Theresa Cimmerolli Burkhart. Wayne was also preceded in death by his daughter, Tamela Burkhart and sister, Carol MacFarland.

Wayne was a member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Flying was his passion; Wayne has been piloting aircraft out of Harry Clever Field since he was 18 years old. He enjoyed assembling, and flying his own homebuilt aircraft. Wayne served his country with the United States Army Reserve for six years, and retired as a Supervisor from Miller Studio in 1998 after 44 years of service.

Although flying was his passion, Wayne was also a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years, Mary Payne Burkhart whom he married on April 6, 1962; children, Theresa (Edwin) Utz of Michigan, Samuel (Carol) Burkhart of Woodsfield; brother, Lloyd (Nancy) Burkhart, Jerry (Barbara) Burkhart both of New Philadelphia; sister, Shirley (Jim) Vrsan of Zoar; grandchildren, Tessa, Hannah, Mary, Brandon, Katlyn; two great grandchildren, Aiden and Johnathon and brother in law, Mac MacFarland

Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. A service celebrating Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday, July 21 starting at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Edwin B. Utz officiating. Friends may greet the family on Saturday from 10-11 am. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held in the Toland-Herzig Famous Ending’s Museum. Interment of the ashes will be in the Grandview Union Cemetery at Strasburg at 2:00 pm. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Wayne may do so by visiting the online obituaries link on the funeral home’s website.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice or to the First United Methodist Church, New Philadelphia.