Paul C. Burkett

Paul C. Burkett, 91, of North Manchester, Indiana passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Timbercrest Senior Living. Born May 13, 1933, in Darke County, Ohio he was the son of the late Clarence and Ruth (Halladay) Burkett. 

He graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, OH, with the Class of 1951. Paul also graduated from Manchester College, bachelor's in education, with the Class of 1955, Marshall University in Huntington, W. Virginia, master's in physical science with the Class of 1961. He also continued his education at Purdue, Notre Dame, University of Washington & Miami University of Ohio. 

On August 22, 1954, he married Carol Oliver at the Greenville Church of the Brethren in Greenville, OH. Paul has been a member of the Church of the Brethren since 1946 to present. He was a charter member of the Columbia City Church of the Brethren and held various church offices, including Sunday school superintendent and Sunday school teacher, member of the church board on various commissions, and was the local church board chairperson, youth sponsor and a deacon. 

Paul was a teacher for 35 years. He taught high school physics, physical science, and math where he was also the head of the science department at Columbia City Joint High School. Paul was a member of the Indiana State Teachers Association, lifetime member of the National Education Association and sponsor of the Science Club at Columbia City High School for many years and a member of the Whitley County Retired Teachers Association. He was a baritone in the Chain O' Lakes Barbershop Chorus for 30 years. 

Paul is survived by his wife, Carol J. Burkett; sons, Jim (Mary Jo) Burkett, John Burkett, and Kent (Barb) Burkett; grandchildren, Erin (Michael) Diedrich, John (Jessica) Burkett, Lindsay (Brad) Bores, Christopher (Alicia) Burkett, Micah (Jenna) Burkett, Mandi (Sean) Osugi, and Jesse Burkett; 22 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death his father, Clarence Burkett; mother, Ruth Burkett; and stepfather, Harry Billman.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with calling one hour prior at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Memorial donations may be given in memory of Paul to Columbia City Church of the Brethren Building Fund. Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Paul's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.