Franklin Lee Burkholder Obituary (1935 - 2015)

Franklin Lee Burkholder, 80, of Harrisonburg, passed away on Monday October 5, 2015 at his residence. Mr. Burkholder was born on March 15, 1935 in Dayton, and was a son of the late Herman F. and Annie (Good) Burkholder. Franklin was a longtime member of Peake Mennonite Church where he served as Deacon for 28 years. He worked at Superior Concrete, and retired from Ritchie's Agri Service. After retirement, he also worked for several other local businesses. On May 29, 1965 he was united in marriage to Anna Lee (Ritchie) Burkholder, who survives. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by two daughters, Angela Goering and husband Samuel of Dayton, Sonia Knicely and husband Willard of Harrisonburg; nine grandchildren, Cynthia Gura and husband Nick, Conrad, Kristen, and Erika Goering, Daryn, Mary, Deborah, Logan, and Abigail Knicely; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Ruby Knicely; and four brothers, Daniel, Charles, William and Ralph Burkholder. He was the last surviving member of his family. What a blessing and a privilege to have been the family of such a godly, kind and loving man. Funeral services will be held on Friday October 9, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Bank Mennonite Church with Nathan Horst, Jay Rohrer, Elam Heatwole, David Burkholder and James Helmuth officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday October 8, 2015 from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 PM at Bank Mennonite Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Peake Mennonite Church, C/O Samuel Goering, 2001 Potter John Lane, Dayton, VA 22821. Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home.