The angels were rejoicing in heaven Mar 22 at 4PM as the Lord welcomed Paul R. Burkhart, 87, of Woodcrest Villa, Lancaster after a short illness with congestive heart failure. He was the beloved husband of Patricia A. (Nordine) and celebrated their 43rd anniversary on March 13.

He was born in Cumberland, Maryland, to Earl Burkhart and Gladys (Drake) Leppert.

Paul graduated from Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, MA with a BA in Theology. His passion for the Lord took him to Swaziland, Africa, where he worked as a medical missionary. He then worked in the microbiology laboratory of Chambersburg Hospital and later Lancaster General Hospital, retiring in 1996.

His hobbies included gardening, outdoor work, taking walks, woodworking, tinkering with cars, puttering around his workbench, his model railroad setup with many hand-painted buildings, and watching the Boston Celtics. His favorite player was Larry Bird and he often would reread his biography.

He was a member of Manor Brethren in Christ Church and the Senior Christian Fellowship Sunday School class and treasured the close friendships formed with class members.

Paul is survived by 2 children: Shirley Jean Trader (Louisville, KY) and Paul Jeffery Burkhart (Chambersburg, Pa); 4 grandchildren: Scott Trader (Hagerstown, MD), Jeremiah Trader (Beaufort, SC), Jacob Trader (Louisville, KY), and Brenten Burkhart (China), and 6 great-grandchildren; a brother, William, in Florida and his devoted Yorkie "Jazzy." He was predeceased by 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Please omit flowers. Donations can be made in Paul's memory to the Manor Senior Christian Fellowship Class, 530 Central Manor Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603.

The family would like to thank the entire staff on Trout Run at Mennonite Home for the exceptional personal care and respect that he was given.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Mar 29 in Eagle Commons at Woodcrest Villa. Family visitation will be from 1PM to 2PM with the service following at 2PM.