Ralph Owen Burkhardt

RICHMOND, Ind. - Ralph Owen Burkhardt, age 95, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, December 26, 2024, at The Springs of Richmond.Born February 21, 1929, in Richmond, Indiana, to Carl and Elizabeth Woods Burkhardt Sr., Ralph was a life-long resident of Richmond. He was a graduate of Richmond High School. Ralph was a graduate of the Jordan School of Music at Butler University and received his masters from Indiana University. He taught in Richmond Community Schools for 47 years, Earlham College for 30 years, and gave private lessons to many students covering multiple instruments. Ralph also served as Assistant Director of the Richmond Symphony. He instilled a love of music in his students and started many famous musicians in their careers. Former students remember him as kind, fair, and patient. After Ralph retired from teaching, he worked another 15 years at Reid Health in Medical Records. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1997 and was Richmond Community Schools Outstanding Educator in 1987. Ralph enjoyed bowling and playing horseshoes in his spare time. He was a lifelong United Methodist.Survivors include his sons, Eric (Lisa) Burkhardt and Bruce Alan Burkhardt; grandchildren, Ethan Shane (Jamie) Burkhardt, Andrew Cody (Hannah) Burkhardt, Carrie Elise (James) Cruz; great-grandchildren, Vivian, Owen, Oliver, Wright, and Dean; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends.He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannine Wright Burkhardt in 2004; parents; daughter, Melanie June Burkhardt; sisters, Edna and Pauline; and brother, Carl Jr.Visitation for Ralph Owen Burkhardt will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Todd Payton officiating. Burial will follow in Earlham Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to: Ralph Burkhardt Music Education Scholarship, c/o Richmond Alumni Association, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374.Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.
Visitation
Friday, January 3, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Doan & Mills Funeral Home
790 National Rd W
Richmond IN 47374
US
(765) 966-0596
Funeral Service
Saturday, January 4, 2025
11:00 AM -
Doan & Mills Funeral Home
790 National Rd W
Richmond IN 47374
US
(765) 966-0596
Burial
Saturday, January 4, 2025
12:00 PM -
Earlham Cemetery
1101 National Road West
Richmond IN 47374
US
Funeral Home
Doan and Mills Funeral Home
790 National Road West
Richmond IN - 47374
US
(765) 966-0596 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ralph, please visit our Tree Store.