MSG (Ret) William Robert Burkhardt, age 67, resident of Columbus, died on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital. Graveside services will be held at Main Post Cemetery, Fort Benning, Georgia on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, 11 a.m., according to Striffler-Hamby, Columbus. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, August 10, 2014 from 3-5 p.m.
Mr. Burkhardt, son of the late John Charles Burkhardt and Georgette Juliette Germain Burkhardt, was born June 17, 1947 in Paris, France. He was retired from the U.S. Army, where he served his country honorably for over 24 years. During his distinguished career, he was stationed in Turkey, Germany, Korea, Hawaii, Iraq. He served in Vietnam for two tours, and also Iraq for Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was a decorated soldier, receiving numerous medals and ribbons to include the Bronze Star (1OLC); Meritorious Service Medal (1OLC); Army Commendation Medal (2OLC); Army Achievement Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/4 stars; Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm; and Combat Infantry Badge. After his military service, he began a career in education, obtaining a Specialist Degree in Education in August 1999. During his tenure as a teacher within Muscogee County School District, he served for over 15 years as both an educator and volunteer. Mr. Burkhardt was a member of the American Legion, Post 35; Life Member, Disabled American Veterans; Life Member, VFW; and 10 year member-Phi Delta Kappa International.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Burkhardt; a sister, Elizabeth Ann Burkhardt; and a niece, Lauren Martin. Mr. Burkhardt is survived by his wife, Mai Hue Welshans Burkhardt of Columbus; three daughters, Mona Casillas of Houston, Texas, Mary Ann Welshans of Los Angeles, California, and Monika Burkhardt of Columbus; two sisters, Patricia Falany of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and Linda Martin of Belcamp, Maryland; three brothers, Daniel Burkhardt of Abingdon, Maryland, Michael Burkhardt and his wife Sara of Keedysville, Maryland, and John Burkhardt, Jr. of Miami, Florida; one granddaughter, Maya Jeter of Houston, Texas; other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to PAWS, 7110 Sacerdote Lane, Columbus, Georgia 31907.
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