John Francis Burkart

John Francis Burkart, age 81, of Cedartown passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

He was born on September 29, 1942, in Zanesville, Ohio son of the late Francis Milton Burkart and Alma Speed Burkart.

 He had a remarkable career as a Delta Airline Pilot for 32 years. Prior to his aviation career, John served in the Marine Corps as a Major and was an highly decorated F-4 fighter pilot in Vietnam.

John's passion for flying was complemented by his dedication to education. He attended Miami of Ohio, where he played football and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Apart from his professional achievements, John had diverse interests ranging from waterskiing to being an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed activities like duck hunting, swimming, racquetball, squash, and traveling. He was known as a trickster and also a dog lover. John was a devoted member of St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church of Cedartown and had been active with the Knights of Columbus.

John will be missed by his surviving family and friends, including his wife, Susan Holmes Burkart; children, Lauren Burkart Bradley and her husband, David, Lee Ann Burkart, and Alice Kate Steenland and her husband, Laurent Secheret. He was a cherished grandfather to Ann Carter Bradley, Charlie Bradley, Ben Bradley, Margot Secheret, Colette Secheret, and Annabelle Secheret. John is also survived by his sister, Carol Burkart Kinney, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John's legacy as a skilled aviator and loving family man will forever be remembered by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Graveside funeral service for Mr. Burkart will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Northview Cemetery with Fr. Timothy Gallagher officiating along with Mr. Mike McRae providing the eulogy. Full military rites will be conducted by the United States Marine Honor Guard.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. John Burkart.