John N. Burkey
John made his journey to heaven at home with his wife Carolyn and son Chris by his side on May 4, 2018.
John was born in Fresno, CA on February 4, 1945 into a military family. He lived in Texas, the territory of Hawaii, Germany, and Florida. From the beginning, he was a Man of God and a servant to others.
He started his higher education at William Carey College, Hattiesburg, MI, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Education. He received a Master’s degree in the same field at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX, where he met his wife, Carolyn Sue Urquhart. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 25, 2018. He later earned an Associate Degree in Electronics at the New River Community College, Dublin, VA.
John and Carolyn had two sons, Chris and Michael. John served as Minister of Education at two Baptist churches, in Collinsville, IL and in Pulaski, VA. He worked at Jefferson Mills in Pulaski. The family moved from Virginia to Hanford, CA in 1979 where John worked for Kings County. The family moved to Porterville, CA in 1979. He retired from Beckman Instruments as the Information Systems Manager in 2011 after serving 32 years. John was an active volunteer for various organizations until the end of his life.
He worked on lighting and sound for Barn Theater productions in Porterville for 20 years and a member of the Barn Theater Board of Directors. He was a mentor to students in the Performing Arts Track at Harmony Magnet Academy, focusing on operations of sound and lighting equipment. He was the audio technician at Hillside Community Church and implemented a training program for others to effectively use the equipment. He was a known audio expert and enjoyed using his skills to record performances by the Sierra Vocal Arts Ensemble and local high school bands and choral groups.
John was a pillar as a Burton School Board trustee for 25 years. He was instrumental in making improvements to the school such as implementing charter schools. He truly raised the standard of education in the school district. John dedicated his time to support students and staff. His contributions of leadership, knowledge and compassion will never be forgotten. The footprint he laid will forever be instilled throughout the Burton School District.
John was also an avid runner and completed many 5K's. He loved traveling with Carolyn and they went to Europe, Great Britain, Japan and Mexico.
John developed a special bond with his sons Chris and Michael as they gained a passion and skill for technology. The three of them were inseparable when they were working on a video, audio, or electronic project. John's wife Carolyn was his constant caregiver as his health declined. He found joy and comfort at the Valley Adult Day Services. His family found peace seeing him pass into heaven. He will be sorely missed but kept alive by all of our wonderful memories of him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Betty Burkey and his son Michael, who passed away on May 19, 2017.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of 50 years who will miss her companion tremendously, his oldest son, Chris, and his wife, Kerri, his daughterin-law, Marie Burkey, and three grandchildren, Alyson, Ella, and Jada, his siblings Patricia Snow, Linda Sheimo and David Burkey.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ Service will be held on Friday, May 11th at 10am at Hillside Community Church, 1091 W Linda Vista Avenue, Porterville.
John’s family thanks you for the many expressions of love, prayers and caring shown by so many during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Valley Adult Day Services or Central California Family Crisis Center. https:// hccporterville.org/