Dennis 'Cracker' Burkhart

DENNIS "CRACKER" BURKHART Dennis Arnold Burkhart, son of Arnold Aubrey and Helen Frances Peoples Burkhart, was born, July 7, 1947 in Stover, Missouri. He departed this life, Friday, November 8, 2013, in his home, Linn Creek, Missouri at the age of sixty-six years, four months and one day. He died from Leukemia caused by exposure to chemicals while serving to protect his country in the Republic of Vietnam. In 1973, Dennis met and married the joy of his life, Edith Katie Straub, which lasted until his death. He was preceded in death by his wonderful father, Arnold in 2008 and his loving sister, Rita Jones in 2007. Survivors include his wife, Katie Burkhart of the home; his mother, Helen Burkhart of Versailles, Missouri; three brothers, Vic Burkhart and wife Cheryl of Laurie, Missouri, Buck Burkhart of Greenview, Missouri and Gail Burkhart of Versailles, Missouri; a sister and too many other relatives and friends to list, but loved them all. Dennis graduated from Versailles High School in 1965. He served in the military from August of 1965 to February of 1973. He received many awards during the two tours of Vietnam, which consisted of combat for eighteen months. He got the honor of running guard for President Johnson during the Rio De Janeiro Summit aboard the presidential ship, USS Wright. He worked construction most of his life, serving as acting Supervisor of Construction for the State of Kansas for five years. He later opened his own company until his retirement. Dennis attended church at Linn Creek Methodist Church. He loved playing guitar and singing specials on Sundays; sometimes with the assistance of a fine musician and friend, Denver Golden. He was an avid musician, playing guitar and mandolin. He loved time spent at home singing and playing his instruments with his wife, Katie. They also loved to plant flowers and trees and work around the house together. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with what he called the greatest friends anyone could have. Dennis leaved these words for all who knew him, "Live life to the fullest and enjoy it, but live according to God's word." A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 15, 2013 in Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., Friday in the funeral home. Burial be in Cape Galena Cemetery, Sunrise Beach at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to a fund established to assist the family and left at the funeral home. Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton is assisting the family with arrangements.