Vernon Louis Burkhart, age 89, of Troy, Oh died at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, January 08, 2014 at Koester Pavilion, Troy, OH.  He was born on March 20, 1924 in New Bremen, OH to the late Joseph and Bertha (Koenig) Burkhart.  On April 23, 1949 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Toledo, OH, he married Eunice Zeisler.  She preceded him in death on October 2, 2006.  They lived in Urbana, OH for 37 years before moving to Troy in 1997.

Vernon is also survived by two daughters and sons-in-law: Barbara and Richard Garland, West Liberty, OH and Rita and David Gruver, Troy, OH; one son and daughter-in-law: David and Debbie Burkhart, Urbana, OH; two grandsons: Sherman (Nichole) Watts, New Carlisle, OH and Christopher (Meredith) Burkhart, Marysville, OH; one granddaughter:  Kelly Marie Gruver and fiancé, Tom Elliott, Troy, OH; and four great grandchildren: Samantha Watts, Quentin Watts, Alyssa Elliott and Kaitlyn Elliott; one sister-in-law: Joyce Burkhart; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law: William and Rae Zeisler; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Richard, Raymond, Donald and Franklin; and one sister: Evelyn.

Vernon graduated from Holgate High School in 1942.  He proudly served his country as a member of the US Navy during the WW II as a Pharmacist's Mate 3/c from April, 1943 to May, 1946.  Vernon received the Good Conduct Ribbon, American Area Campaign Medal and the Victory Medal.  He retired from Columbia Gas of Ohio after 36 years.  Vernon also was a Supervisor for 18 years with the Urbana City Parks, Urbana, OH under Rocky Teets.  He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Troy, OH.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 13, 2014 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. James Duell officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy, OH.  Full military honors will be presented by The Veteran's Elite Tribute Squad, Piqua, OH.  Friends may call on the family from 1-4 PM on Sunday at Baird Funeral Home, Troy, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 409 E. Main Street, Troy, OH 45373.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com .   A special Thank You to Dr. Swabb and Pam Sutherly, UVMC and the staff at The Caldwell House and Koester Pavilion for their special care.