Jan. 17, 1929 - Dec. 7, 2012

ELKHART - Robert A. "Bob" Burkhead, 83, of Elkhart, passed away Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital after a short illness.

Bob was born Jan. 17, 1929, in Elkhart to Roy and Aleta (Steinbarger) Burkhead. He married Virginia "Ginny" Schuelke on June 25, 1950.

She survives along with daughter Pam (Clark) Romine of Washington state; son Chris (Anita) Burkhead of Kokomo; grandchildren Karen Youngs, Kim Romine, Amanda Michaels and Zack Burkhead; and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters, Marilyn Starner and Cathleen Powell; and several nieces and nephews.

His sister, Catherine Hardy, preceded him in death.

Bob was a member of the Elkhart High School class of 1947. He obtained his GED after serving in the U.S. Army from 1945 until his honorable discharge in 1947.

Bob worked as a brickmason with Macumber Construction Co. for 45 years, acting as the superintendent for the last 25 years. Bob was instrumental in starting and heading the apprentice bricklayers program at the Elkhart Area Career Center for 10 years. He was proud to be a 50-year member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 4. Bob retired in 1991 and enjoyed woodworking and building grandfather clocks, many of which were his own design.

Bob was an avid pilot. He owned his own plane and enjoyed attending many air shows. Bob's greatest joys were his family, class reunions, lunches with friends, Sunday morning waffles at the Sunrise Caf" and a Tanqueray on the rocks.

Friends and family may gather to celebrate Bob's life from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Billings Funeral Home, where a remembrance service conducted by his friend, Leroy Chaffee, and military honors by the U.S Army Honors detail will conclude the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salvation Army or the Humane Society of Elkhart County.

Marilyn & Keith Bates, Elkhart, IN Dear Ginny & family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May Bob R.I.P. My Mom passed on 12-12-12 at age 93. Not really unexpected but, shocking none the less. There will be at least two new Angels in Heaven this Christmas !!! Thoughts & prayers to you & yours. Fondly, Marilyn & Keith Bates

Timothy Stemm, Monrovia, CA I am saddened by this news. Bob was my step-dad. He always treated me as if I was his son; even though I was "Ginny's boy." He taught me many valuable lessons: How to be a quality person,how to treat other people, how to have compassion for others, how to work hard, how to enjoy life, and how to have fun. I will always remember his hardy laugh,and the smile on his face when he would play a joke on me. He was a special kind of Dad to me, I will miss him.

Ken & Mary Magnusen, Elkhart, IN Bob has been a great neighbor, friend, and chat buddy. His memory of "the way things were" in Elkhart complimented mine. Those times we did get to chatting, he was always careful to keep an ear toward home so he could hear when his chair called him. I learned from him. We will miss him.

vicki Reynolds~Gay, rockledge, FL It was with great sadness I learned of Bob's passing. My prayers go out to his family. I am Vicki ( Reynolds) Gay. My dad Max Reynolds was was a good friend and fellow brick mason. I still tell the story of them owning a little red and white plane together and Bob going to land it on some lake property! After Dad died (1988) mom and I would go to "Joe and Eddies" on Friday nights and many times met with Bob and Ginny. He will be missed.

Clark Romine, Richland, WA Construction worker, leader, teacher, artist in wood, pilot, bird watcher, crossword puzzle wizard and intellectual, Bob was a man we could all admire. Think of all the young men he set off on a career like his own through his teaching and leadership. Think of all the homes that are graced by one of his hand-built clocks, or his wood inlay intarsia. Think of the graceful, curving brick wall and fountain in his back yard (Pam and I were married there.) When Pam and I were first married, I made the mistake of serving Bob a martini in one of our fancy little wedding-gift cocktail glasses. Bob promptly dubbed them “eyewash” and asked for a double!!! No more eyewash, Bob. It’s only doubles from now on. Clark Romine Son inlaw

Tom & Phyllis Schuelke, Edwardsburg, MI So sorry to hear of your loss. We were up to see him the previous Monday & he seemed to be doing so well...He told me to give him a kiss & he would be better also!!! Will pray for your family & see you all on Thursday also... God Bless...

Theresa Maier, Simonton Lake, IN Chris, Anita & Family, So sorry for your loss. My sympathies,

Chuck Pease, Murrells Inlet, SC Bob, after a long successful life, may you Rest in Piece. Remember you well from our years together at EHS.

Pam Beehler Jackson, Elkhart, IN I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember my father, Lennie Beehler, speak so fondly of him through the years. My condolences to the family. Yiour memories will help make things a little easier during this difficult time. Take care.