Gary Burkhart, 86, died Tuesday, May 13, at his home in Ulysses.
He was born August 3, 1938, in Newton, Kan., the son of George and Ethel (Francis) Burkhart.
Gary grew up in Augusta where he graduated high school. He furthered his education at Wichita State University, Missouri State and received his master’s degree in School Administration and Psychology from Emporia State University.
He moved to Ulysses in 1963.
He touched many lives as a Ulysses High School teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and School Psychologist. Gary also drove the school activity bus and served as a coach. He retired as Director of High Plains Educational Cooperative in 1999. Not one to sit around, he then drove a milk truck for Western Dairy Transport.
Gary always owned a Harley Davidson motorcycle and enjoyed riding as much as he could.
Gary married Bonnie Jean Slifer August 14, 1966, in El Dorado, Kan.
Gary is survived by sons: Darren Burkhart and wife, Lisa, Bakersfield, Calif., Dustin Burkhart and wife, Katie, El Dorado, Kan., and Cory Burkhart and wife, Kourtney, Goddard, Kan.; sister, Kolene Luper, Augusta, Kan.; nine grandchildren: Noah, Evan, Sadie, Sophia, Sarah, Hope, Medaris, Kerigan, and Lainie; and seven great-grandchildren: Karter, Kendall, Kymbre, Chandler, Adria, Ezra and Cleo.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, George and Ethel; and wife, Bonnie in 2021.
Visitation was from 2-8 p.m., May 18, at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses.
Funeral service took place at 1 p.m., Monday, May 19, at Garnand Funeral Home, with Mike Anderson officiating.
Graveside service was at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 21, at the Marion Cemetery in Marion, Kan.
Memorial contributions may be given to Caterpillars and Butterflies at Ulysses Church of Christ in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kansas 67880.
Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
