John Burkhalter

John Anson Burkhalter, age 86, passed away on March 27, 2013 at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, NV. He was born on March 30, 1926 in San Augustine, TX and was the youngest of seven children born to John Ervin Burkhalter and Amanda Gertrude McBroom Burkhalter. He married Betty Athalene Bailey on June 6, 1945. John served his country in the United States Marine Corp, enlisting on December 7, 1943 and was assigned to the Marines 3rd Division. As a rifleman, John participated in several key battles including Iwo Jima where he was injured earning a Purple Heart. After returning to combat, John served as part of the US occupying force in Japan before returning to civilian life at the end of his enlistment in December of 1945. John re-enlisted in 1952 and served an additional 22 years of active duty in the Marine Corp before retiring as a Master Sergeant on September 1, 1974. After his retirement, John continued his patriotic efforts supporting the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) until his death. He was also involved in the Masons were he attained the level of Master Mason. In his younger days John was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He was a man of God and had a strong faith and was active in his church. John is survived by his two children Linda Vance of Cottage Grove, OR; Michael Burkhalter of Garland, TX; son in law Michael Medina; a sister Ara Rule; six grandchildren Sandi, Dina, Jeff, Kaylee, Kim, Theresa; and thirteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Burkhalter who passed on January 19, 2011; a daughter Carolyn Medina; and a granddaughter Dana. Funeral services will be held on Thursday April 4 at 10:40 am at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the DAV of Las Vegas, 6900 N Pecos Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89086. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com