Donna Burckhalter

Donna R. Burckhalter, age 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 24 at the Strafford Care Center, in Strafford, Missouri, after a short stay.

She was born on September 18, 1937 in Jefferson City, Missouri to Clay and Genevieve Sudheimer. She was raised in Dixon, Missouri, where she attended school. In high school, she was active in F.H.A., band, softball, glee club, pep squad, and participated in the publication of the annual year book and school newspaper. In 1954, she was coronated the Fall Festival Queen, and in 1955 she graduated from Dixon High School.

She met Troy P. Burckhalter, from Grimes, Oklahoma, while he was stationed in the Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. They fell in love, married in December, 1955, and enjoyed being together for over 65 years. Both Troy and Donna worked in St. Louis, Missouri, for a short time and then returned to Dixon where they both obtained positions at Ft. Leonard Wood. Donna worked as an administrative assistant for the Corps of Engineers at Ft. Leonard Wood, where she retired in 1982 with over 20 years of service.

Troy and Donna enjoyed traveling around the country, camping, and sight-seeing. They especially liked to travel to south Texas where they fished, cooked-out, and made many friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Troy Burckhalter; daughter, Paula Burckhalter and her husband Dennis Plenert, from Moundridge, Kansas; daughter, Angela Burckhalter and her husband James Allard, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and her very spoiled dog, Abby. She leaves behind many close neighbors and friends, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at the Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut, Springfield, Missouri with Jeff Brann, minister of the Strafford United Methodist Church, officiating. Visitation will be held immediately before the funeral services at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Burial will be held with family (only) at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Donna deeply cared about animals. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri located at 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, Missouri 65803 (417-833-2526) or online at
swh.org .

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com