Kenneth Gerald Burkitt

With heavy hearts, we announce that Kenneth Gerald Burkitt of Piketon, Ohio went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 2:42pm surrounded by family.
Ken was born July 11, 1939, to the late Reverend Elmore Burkitt and Wanda (Matthews) Burkitt at his grandparents home on Smith Hill, Piketon, Ohio.
On January 7,1961, he was united in marriage to Barbara (McFann)Burkitt, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Daniel (Penny) Burkitt, Elizabeth (Randal) Johnson, David (Lori) Burkitt, Ellen (Jake) Emnett; five grandchildren, Lindsay (John) Ottens, Edward Burkitt, Cyndi (Ben) Wallace, Ethan Johnson and Connor (Gracey) Burkitt; a step-granddaughter, Sydney Brandyn (Zach) Obetz; six great-grandchildren, Emmitt Wallace, Kamryn Wallace, Jase Wallace, Lexi Wallace, Emma Ottens and Luke Ottens; two step-great-grandchildren, Braedyn Obetz and Macyn Obetz; two brothers, Morris (Nancy) Burkitt and Delmar Burkitt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ken was preceded in death by one grandson, Evan Andrew Burkitt, as well as his father, mother and sister-in-law Jeannine (Parker) Burkitt.
Ken graduated from Piketon High School, Class of '57. He would joke and say "the class of '57 had its dreams." Although many friends have gone on before him, he was encouraged that they will someday meet again.
He was a devoted husband, loving father and a cherished grandfather, affectionately known as "Papaw." He touched the lives of many with the unwavering example of his faith, endless love and kindness.
Ken was a friend to all and would have a conversation with anyone, whether he knew them or not. His favorite subjects were telling stories about driving trucks, fishing and woodworking. He had many, many stories to tell.
Ken was a faithful member of the Bethel Christian Church, serving the Lord with his whole heart. He served in the office of Elder, then after his dad was no longer able to preach, Ken served as Pastor.
Ken began his professional career as an over-the-road truck driver. He and his friends, Benny Endicott and Elmer "Dutch" Skidmore would start out on Sunday evening to deliver their loads; racing up the road just to see who could be first. After he decided to give up driving a truck, he went to work for Martin Marietta where he retired after 22 years of service.
Ken loved woodworking, fishing and being a grandpa. While woodworking, he decided if he couldn't drive the trucks he would build replicas of them. So, without a pattern, he built replicas of most of the trucks he had driven, from semi's to dump trucks, to flatbeds.
He also loved adventure and traveling. He and his wife, Barb, traveled to many different areas in the U.S. A trip to Yellowstone National Park was a favorite as well as two trips to the Hawaiian Islands with his brother Delmar and sister-in-saw, Jeannine. He and Barb also took frequent trips to the Smokey Mountains with family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Boyer Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Hartley officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, Piketon, Ohio.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2025, at Boyer Funeral Home, Waverly, Ohio.
boyerfuneral.com