Joseph C. Burkhart, 89 of Martinsburg, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Homewood at Williamsport surrounded by his family.
Born on April 6, 1925 in Martinsburg, he was the son of the late Grover Cleveland and Mary Hester Fulk Burkhart.
Mr. Burkhart was a graduate of St. Joseph High School with the Class of 1943.
He and his wife, the late Marie (Henry) Burkhart, were married January 1, 1946, at St. Joseph Catholic Church Rectory, Martinsburg. They lived in Martinsburg their whole married life of 56 years. Mrs. Burkhart passed away on January 27, 2002.
Mr. Burkhart retired from Martin Marietta (formerly Capitol Cement) as Purchasing Manager. His hard work and dedication enabled him to advance from an entry level position to a management position while employed at the company. In addition to working at the cement plant, he shared responsibilities with his brothers in government contract mail transportation.
Being with family and friends was a priority in his life. He also was an avid fan of the Redskins and NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He enjoyed cars all his life with his ownership of six Cadillac's the last years of his life the ultimate experience in driving.
Mr. Burkhart was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he faithfully served as Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus until his failing health ended his service.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Beverly (Merv) Yeagle; his son, Larry (Kerri) Burkhart; his grandchildren, Sara (Anthony) Baird, Lauren (Abram) Sanders, and Nicholas Burkhart; his great-grandchildren, Benjamin Sanders and Jonas Sanders; his only surviving brother, Thomas (Pat) Burkhart; and three sisters-in-law, Helen Burkhart, June Burkhart, and Bessie Shanholtzer. He will be missed by several nieces and nephews who loved "Uncle Joe" for many years. He had a special place in his heart for his former daughter-in-law, Lynne Phillips.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Mr. Burkhart was preceded in death by his brothers , Bernard L. Burkhart, James (Vincent) Burkhart, Charles Burkhart, and Hugh Burkhart; brothers-in-law, Parker Reed and Marshall Henry; sisters-in-law, Ruby Reed and Arlene Henry; his father-in-law, Roy Henry; and mother-in-law, Bethel (Unger) Henry.
The family will receive friends on Monday, April 6, 2015 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM at Brown Funeral Home with a Vigil Service at 7:00PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 11:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Eric Hall celebrant. Interment prayers will be said at Pleasant View Memory Gardens.
The family requests the omission of flowers with suggested memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 110 E. Stephen Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph C. Burkhart, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.