John F. Burkey

John F. Burkey, age 84, of Gnadenhutten, formerly of New Philadelphia died Thursday, November 18, 2004, in Union Hospital at Dover.John was the son of the late Fred C. Burkey and Elizabeth Bigler Burkey; he was born in Sugarcreek on October 1, 1920. He married the late Agnes K. Steiner in 1941.He began school in a one room school house, but went to work in the family cheese business at an early age. He entered the United States Army during WW II and received an honorable discharge in January, 1946, after serving in the European theater. John was self employed in the excavating business for most of his working years, but enjoyed restoring antique autos. His favorites were the 1930 and 31 Ford model “A”. He spent hours restoring and rebuilding five of them each having a different body style.He is survived by his son Ray (Connie) Burkey of New Philadelphia, and daughter Kate (Ray) King of Gnadenhutten; Grandchildren Ruth King of New Philadelphia and John (Becky) King of Weston, O and Jeff Burkey of Sugarcreek. Two great-grandchildren Joe King of New Philadelphia and Hanna King of Weston, O, also survive.He will also be missed by his very dear friends George and Dottie Preston.He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and two brothers Paul Burkey and Lloyd Burkey.At his request, there are no public calling hours or services. Cremation will be conducted at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory of New Philadelphia. Burial of the cremated remains will follow at the Jerusalem Church Cemetery. A Private service will held Wednesday, November 24, 2004. Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Burkey may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.