"Heartfelt condolences to Ruth, Bill & Debra. Johnnie was a wonderful man, who I had the pleasure of knowing for just five years. I'm so glad he got to go on the Honor Flight before the Lord called him home. I'll pray for Ruth."
In loving memory of
Johnnie William Burkhead
February 12, 1932 - February 10, 2020
Johnnie William Burkhead (87) Fairview, IL
Johnnie Burkhead, two days short of his 88th birthday, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020, at Red Oak Estates in Canton.
He was born on February 12, 1932 at his home in rural Perryville, KY, one of 13 children born to Steve and Myrtle (Yaste) Burkhead. He married Ruth Nadine Grieve on June 3rd, 1951 in London Mills. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Debra Lynn (Allen) Lovell of rural Princeville and Bill (Deborah) Burkhead of rural Fairview and a brother, Raymond (Joan) Burkhead of Canton and a sister, Ruby Neff of Galesburg.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Cecil Burkhead. R.H. Burkhead, Ed Burkhead, Bobby Burkhead, and infant S.B. Burkhead; and five sisters, Geneva Billings, Gladys Strevils, Nellie Perkins, JoAnn Frew, and Helen Burkhead.
Johnnie served in the U.S. Army from 1952 through 1955. He worked for Caterpillar for 31 years putting special attachments on dozing equipment and farmed his parents' farm with his brother Edward. In retirement he farmed into his 80s for his High School friend, Elmer White. He attended the First Christian Church in Canton and was a member of the Fairview American Legion. He was a handy man, building his own home with the help of a big family and enjoyed baseball as a Cardinal fan and coaching Midget League teams. He served his Village as a Village Board Member and Volunteer Fireman.
He also enjoyed boating, teaching many people to water ski and wintered in Texas for over 30 years. He enjoyed bowling and helped on many family construction projects. He also enjoyed going on the Greater Peoria Honor Flight in 2017 with brothers Cecil and Raymond, his son, and 3 nephews.
Services will be Saturday February 15, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton, where visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service a burial with military honors will be held on a later date at Fairview Cemetery .
Memorials can be made to Honor Flight or to First Christian Church in Canton.
To leave online condolences or to view Johnnie's video tribute please visit, www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"I have many great memories of water skiing with your entire family and always lots of friends. The river banks of the Illionis never had so much fun and festivity as those weekends.....small boats loaded with folks and food to spend all day skiing and having a great time. Johnnie will be missed. My condolences to all of you. Roxane (Ruggeri) Semick"
"Condolences and deepest sympathy to family and friends for your loss. Johnnie was a fine man who always greeted you with a smile. He will be missed by many."
"To the entire Burkhead family, I am greatly saddened to learn of Mr. Burkhead's (Johnnie) passing. To my best friend Bill, my condolences on the loss of your father! Even with his health issues, he was still active and able to enjoy life along with his wife and family. I am glad to hear that both of them shared each day by the other's side, with all of you nearby to keep them company. He will be greatly missed. To Mrs. Burkhead (Ruth), my condolences on the loss of your husband. I have been a friend of Bill's ever since our college days. While Bill, Bryan Lund, Tony Garreffa, and I were in school, I can still remember the Burkhead hospitality extended to our whole gang when we visited for a weekend for a big cookout. Of course, we needed somewhere to sleep, so were offered a place at the house, along with a free breakfast! My compliments to you, Mrs. Burkhead, for being such a great hostess. You and your husband have our eternal gratitude for all of the kind things you did for all of us. For myself, and my family, and all of my friends, who have been blessed to know Mr. Burkhead all of these years, our prayers go out to you for your loss of this wonderful man! Jay-el Elmhurst, IL 14 February 2020"
"HAVEN SO MANY MEMORIES OF US , Ruthie, I am so so sorry to hear about Johnnie, I have so many memories of the 2 of you with Vi and me here and in Texas, Rest assure- he will never be forgotten. My love and prayers to you and your family--let your memories surround all of you--MaryLou Belless "
"Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Burkhead, Jerry has memories of Johnnie?s support and umpiring many ball games. His enthusiasm for baseball was infectious. We are sad to see the passing of Johnnie and all those in his generation. We?re not sure we will eve see another like them. Well done, good and faithful servant. We send our condolences to his family but we celebrate his life eternal in that great ball diamond in heaven. Jan and Jerry Woodall"
"So sorry to hear about the passing of one of the oldest & dearest of my parents? friends. Johnnie was a terrific guy and loyal Redbird! I have such fond memories of our trips to the Ozarks with the whole gang. My deepest sympathy to Ruth, Bill,& Debbie. Tony Morgan in Scottsdale, AZ"