July
13, 1930 - May 22, 2010MISHAWAKA - Richard L. Burkett, 79, passed away at 9:58 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2010, in the Ironwood Health & Rehabilitation Center, South Bend. Mr. Burkett was born on July 13, 1930, in South Bend, to the late Stephen and Esther (Jones) Burkett. He has remained a lifelong resident. On January 7, 1950, in Michigan City, IN, he married Phyllis C. Loutzenhiser, who survives. Along with his wife, Phyllis of 60 years, survivors include two daughters, Brenda (Steven) Treber of Mishawaka and Linda (Gregory) Dolezal of Mishawaka; one son, Gary C. (Rashel Jackson) Burkett of Walkerton; eight grandchildren, Steven R. (Michelle) Treber, Kevin M. (Jen) Treber, Patrick J. (Jennifer) Dolezal, Scott B. (Angela) Dolezal, Alicia E. (Jason) Landro, Lucas J. Burkett, Daniel S. Burkett and Abigail E. Burkett; and 12 great-grandchildren. One brother, Harold Burkett, preceded him in death. Mr. Burkett worked for the former Studebaker Corporation. He retired after 30 years with the Uniroyal Corporation. Mr. Burkett was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend. Rev. Lauren Hall will officiate. Private burial will be held at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, May 24th, in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Richard L. Burkett may be made to The Alzheimer's Association , P.O. Box 4204, South Bend, IN 46634; or to the American Diabetes Association , 1701 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.