CSM (Ret) Edgar "Ed" C. Burkhalter, Jr.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ed was born on May 6, 1934 in Hattiesburg, MS to the late Edgar C. Burkhalter, Sr. and Eva Margaret Petro Jones. He retired from the U.S. Army after 26 years of service having served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era. During his Military career he received numerous Medals and Awards which include the Legion of Merit, Soldiers Medal 1OLC, Bronze Star Medal 1OLC, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal 1OLC, Army Commendation Medal 3 OLC w/Valor Device, Purple Heart 1OLC, Good Conduct Medal 1SLC and 2OLC,Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/palm, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign w/60 Device, National Service Defense Medal w/2OLC, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnamese Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Order of St. Maurice.

Ed was selected to attend 1st Class of SGT Major academy, he served 3 tours with the 101 Airborne in the Republic of Vietnam, served 1 tour with the 7th Division in Korea, and Instructed in Ranger and Airborne Departments.

Ed retired from Civil Service after 21 years of service as a G3 SGM w/ Direct irate of plans and training in January 1977.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rena Burkhalter, two sons, David Nichols of Atlanta, GA and Russell Burkhalter of Virginia Beach, VA, and a daughter, Donna Burkhalter Davis of Columbus, GA. four grandchildren, Beth Ann Hawkins, Angela Hightower Kent, Steven Burkhalter and Ashley Nichols,

6 great grandchildren, Harley Pettis, James Pettis, Taylor Kent, Joshua Kent, Michael Burkhalter and Angela Burkhalter, a sister, JoAnn Hagler of Rocky Mountain, NC, and three nieces, Lisa, Lori and Lana.