Charles Raymond "Ray" Burkhart

Charles Raymond "Ray" Burkhart, age 80, of Worthington, OH and Sarasota, FL, passed peacefully to his eternal home to live with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 6, 2008. Ray's love of life, people and humor was with him till the end. Ray was born in Harrietsville, (Noble County), OH on November 16, 1927, son of the William and Ruth Burkhart who preceded him in death, along with his wife, Jean (Smithberger) Burkhart and sister, Goldie Wurtzbacher. He was a graduate of Elk Rural High School, Class of 1945 followed by service to his country by serving in the U.S. Navy. He attended OSU and Franklin University majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He married his high school sweetheart, Jean in 1949 and they enjoyed 55 years together. Ray and Jean moved to Columbus in 1950 settling in Grandview and then Worthington in 1952. He worked for Johnson Controls and then in 1960 Sales Manager of Goodale Auto-Truck Parts Co., Inc. His hard work and ambition enabled him to purchase Goodale in 1974 and involve his family in the business. He took great honor in the privilege of employing many wonderful people over the years and deeply appreciated all their efforts and dedication. Ray's involvement in the Masonic Fraternity included being a 50 year member and Past Master of Masterton Lodge #429 F & AM, Lebanon, OH and a plural member and Past Master of New England Lodge #4 F & AM, Worthington, OH. He was also a 50 year member of the 32 Degree Masons, Valley of Columbus; a 50 year member and Past High Priest of Horace W. Wright Chapter #226 R.A.M., a member of Zabud Council #99 R.& S.M. and Mount Vernon Commandery #1 Knights Templar. He was also a 50 year member of Aladdin Shriners and was a charter member of the Shrine's Past Master's Unit; Past President of the Worthington Shrine Club, and a member Achbar Grotto. Ray was also a two time Past Patron of Worthington Chapter #287 Order of the Eastern Star and also served as Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Ohio Eastern Star in 1996. He was a Past President of the National Automotive Parts Rebuilders Assoc. and Past President of the Automotive Booster B-32., Past President of Colonial Hills Civic Assoc. and served on the board of North Community Lutheran Church where he had been a member for over 50 years and most recently a member at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota, FL. He took great pride in his family, in being an American, and his service to the world in which he lived. His positive attitude and strong sense of commitment will always be remembered. He truly was part of the "Greatest Generation" and will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his dear friend, Lynn Porter of Venice, FL and family: daughters, Debbie (Tom) Comer, Darla (Jeff) Bohenko of Worthington and sons, David (Theresa) Burkhart of Powell and Doug (Terre) Burkhart of Dublin; grandchildren, Jason and Nick (Ashley) Comer, Taylor, Marshal, Ian, Goldie, Mackenzie, Colleen and Andrew Burkhart; brother, Bill (Debbie) Burkhart of Lowell, OH; sister, Shirley (Vernon) Thomas of Lower Salem, OH; brother-in-law, Larry (Mary Lou) Smithberger of Marietta, OH; sister-in-law, Katherine Smithberger of Worthington, and many nieces and nephews. The family will welcome friends at the RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High St., Worthington, OH 43085 from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10th and one hour prior to the funeral service to be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2008 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N. High St., Worthington, OH with Rev. Richard Wilson, PGM, PGP of Jerusalem, OH and Rev. Bonnie Gerber of All Saints Church officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Worthington. A Masonic Service will begin at 8:30 p.m. Thursday followed by an Eastern Star Service. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Ray's memory to the Ohio Eastern Star Home, 1451 Gambier Rd., Mt. Vernon, OH 43050 or the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460. Condolences for the family may be sent: www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.