Phillip Burkhalter

BURKHALTERA celebration of the life of Phillip David Burkhalter, Child of God.Born August 14, 1940, in Tyler, Texas, to Thomas and Viola Burkhalter. Left this life on March 2, 2008, in Oklahoma City, Okla-homa. Phillip was baptized in the Nachtez River in East Texas as a young boy and grew up in the tra-ditions of the Southern Baptist Church. He was confirmed at Trin-ity Lutheran Church in Colby, Kansas, and continued membership at various Lutheran Churches, until the Lord brought him and Anita to Trinity Lutheran Church in Ed-mond, OK. He loved gospel music and the mighty songs of the church. After discharge from the Navy, Phillip began working at Huntsville Texas State Peniten-tiary. He worked at night so he could go to college during the day. He managed stables and rode bulls in the rodeo in his free time. He earned a BS in Agriculture Science from Sam Houston State Universi-ty in 1972. He was always telling kids, ''don't give up, it took me 8 years to get my degree!'' The years working in the prison hardened him, and he resolved to do all he could to keep kids out of prison. He also earned a MS in Agriculture Education from Kansas State Uni-versity, and a MS in Education Ad-ministration from Ft. Hays State University. Reaching kids was al-ways Phillip's special gift and call-ing. He taught vocational agricul-ture and science for 36 years in Crockett, TX, Athens, TX, Tri-bune, KS, Colby, KS, Hillsboro, KS, Brookville, KS, Topeka, KS, Wichita, KS, and Oklahoma City. His kids always called him ''Mr. B.'' When everyone else had given up on a student, they became Phillip's special project. He was so proud when a student overcame difficulties to graduate and be-come successful in their chosen ca-reer. Phillip was proud to be a Navy veteran, teaching sailors to swim and abandon ship. He loved the water, and nieces and nephews have fond memories of his being the ''shark'' in summer fun. Phillip always said God led him to Colby, Kansas 24 years ago to claim his lady. He called Anita his princess or ''darlin.'' Many times during the years, he would comment that he never knew how a broke down old cowboy convinced a lady to marry him. Anita always said she married him so he would leave her alone. Anita will always treasure the gift of his unconditional love and com-mitment. He encouraged Anita to go to college at the age of 40, and was so very proud of her degrees and accomplishments. He willingly moved many times to help her in her career. He made sure that the meals were cooked and the laundry done so many times! He was her helpmate at the senior living com-munities. He helped remodel, made repairs, played dominos with resi-dents, and was Santa at Christmas. He became a fixutre at Clare Bridge special event dinners, and even on crutches, was in the kitchen with a hairnet on his beard. Phillip was happiest when he had a project. Talented with building, he made many additions to their homes, most recently, the sunroom at their home. He could build trail-ers without plans. He loved roses and always made sure Anita had yellow roses for their anniversary. Phillip claimed Anita's family as his own, and they embraced him as surrogate father, brother, and un-cle. He had a special relationship with niece, Krystal, and nephew, Matt. Phillip had a reputation of being a grumpy old man, but those close to him knew it was a facade. He would do anything for those he loved. While in Colby, Phillip and Anita developed a friendship with Gary and Marilynn Reed that has survived years of moving, crazy trips, and twice weekly phone calls. Preceding him in death are his grandparents, Phillip David and Hattie Burnette; his parents; sis-ters, Billy Louise Higgenbotham, Betty Jean Hawkins; and brother, Thomas Conrad. He is survived by his wife, Anita. Russell and Karen Flamig of Hartington, NE, Krystal and Matt Preister of Lincoln, NE, Grant and Tiffany Flamig of Kear-ney, NE, and Garrentt Flamig of Wayne, NE. Randall and Deanna Flamig of Sidney, NE, and Amber Flamig of Chadron, NE. Duane and Pandora Lolas Flamig of Los Alamos, NM, Zach Flamig of Nor-man, and Brianna of Dartmouth, NH. Sylvia Bixenman of Salina, KS, Matthew Brown of Phoenix, AZ, and Sarah Harm of Hays, KS. Bryan and Leslie Flamig of Phoenix, AZ. Marlen Flamig and family of Bridgeport, NE, Curtis Flamig and family of Lexington, NE, Marguerite and Carl House and family of Cody, WY, Evelyn and Victor Smith and family of Boise, ID; father-in-law, Ross and Dorothy Saunders of Riverton, WY; mother-in-law, Inez Flamig of Sidney, NE; his special friend and the man he called brother, Gary and Marilynn Reed of Colby, KS; and his ''little buddy'', Muffin. Phillip David Burkhalter, Child of God, rest in peace until we meet again in Eternity. Memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Luther-an Church, 308 NW 164th, Ed-mond, OK, on Thursday, March 6, at 11:00 AM. Those wishing to honor Phillip may do so with a do-nation to the Phillip David Burkhalter Scholarshipi Fund for Pathways Middle College, Okla-homa City Community College, 7777 South May, Oklahoma City, OK 73159.