Donald E. Burkhart Sr., 82, of Taylorville, passed away October 9, 2012 at 11:20am at Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville.  He was born January 7, 1930 in Stonington, IL. the son of Albert and Gladys (Moore) Burkhart.  He married Paula Jean Rush in March, 1950 in Blue Mound.  He was retired from Caterpillar as a Mechanical Adjuster.  He was a member of the Beacon of Hope Free Methodist Church of Pana and Local #751 UAW.

He is survived by his wife, sons;  Donald (Carolyn) Burkhart of Blue Mound and Bill (Cherie) Burkhart of Galesburg, IL.; daughters, Diane Marts of Taylorville, Rebecca (George) Buerk of Owaneco and Debbie Burkhart of Mattoon; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Robert Dale Burkhart, 2 sisters and 2 brothers

Graveside services and Inurnment will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 2:00pm at Old Stonington Cemetery in Stonington with Rev. Kurt Feneley officiating.  There will be no visitation.

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.  Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Free Methodist Church of Pana 210 W. 4th St. Pana, IL.  62557 or The Shriners Hospital for Children 2001 S. Lindburg Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63131 or American Parkinson Disease Association Midwest Chapter 2050 Pfingsten Road Suite 127 Glenview, IL.  60025