John E. Burkett

John E. Burkett, 85, of Clyde is now home with our Lord. John passed away on Wednesday morning, January 30, 2013, at his home. John was born on August 13, 1927, in Fremont, Ohio, the only son/child of Dorothy and Forest Burkett. He was a graduate of Fremont High School. On April 16, 1955, he wed Janet Deer (now deceased) at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Fostoria, Ohio. John built a life by proudly running Whitehall Farms, a 1,400-acre farm (including livestock and specialty crops) in Sandusky and Seneca Counties. Following retirement from the farm, John worked for the Head Start program in Fremont. He retired in 1996. In addition to the family business, John was involved with his community by serving as Council member and then Mayor of Green Springs. John was also actively involved in Toastmasters, where he became Regional President to promote confidence for people in public speaking. John was a member of St Mary’s Parish in Clyde.

John is survived by three sons Michael (Melissa) of Highlands Ranch, CO; Daniel (Christy) of Grove City, OH; and Joseph of Findlay, OH. John was also blessed with 6 grandchildren (Daniel Jr. (Jennifer) of Gahanna; Matthew (Heidi) of Columbus; Ryan (Jessica) of Newport News, VA; Megan of Columbus; Marisa of Findlay; Connor of Highlands Ranch, CO; and 2 great grand-children Haley (Columbus) and James (Gahanna).

Visitation will take place Sunday, February 3, 2013, from 3-6 pm at Keller-Ochs-Koch-Mason Funeral and Cremation Service, 416 S. Arch Street, Fremont, Ohio. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, February 4, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 609 Vine Street, Clyde Ohio. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Please join the Burkett family for a reception to honor the wonderful memories of John, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Memorial contributions may be made to St Mary's Parish.