Gordon Douglas Burkhead

Gordon D. Burkhead, 73, a lifelong Battle Creek, Michigan resident died at home on Monday, April 22, 2024. 

Gordon was born September 2, 1950, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Laurence Allen and Ethel Jean (Martin) Burkhead. He grew up in the Verona area of Battle Creek and was a 1970 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Gordon honorably served his country in the U.S. Army 1971 – 1972 as a Specialist Fifth Class, leaving as Senior Track Mechanic and Recovery Specialist. Gordon was employed at Great Plains Gas Company. He retired from the Lakeview School System as a maintenance supervisor for more than 25 years in 2005. After retiring, Gordy maintained the equipment at Remington Car Wash and at Lakeview Hardware in Battle Creek.

Gordon Douglas Burkhead was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Angie L. Walling on March 24, 1973, in Battle Creek. Surviving are his wife, Angie; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Bill Bolton of Battle Creek; two grandsons, one granddaughter, sister-in-law, Melbra Jarrell; brother-in-law, Rick Walling; favorite niece, Diana (Ross) Richardson; nephews: Shad (Jamie Lambeth) Walling, Robert (Shaun) Summerfield, Bill Summerfield; four great nephews, four great nieces, three great great-nephews, two great great-nieces; his beloved Beagle, Molly, grand-dog, Lennox; and several good buddies who were like brothers. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Ethel; two brothers, Norman Ray Burkhead in 1946 and Keith Lynn Burkhead in 2023; father-in-law, Jim Allen; mother-in-law, Louise Allen; father-in-law, Don Walling; brother-in-law, Grady Jarrell; sister-in-law, Connie Walling; cousin, Chris Dale, several aunts, uncles, cousins and some special buddies.

Gordy loved spending time with his family. He was the Chapter Chairperson and President of AFSCME Union, Local #331. He would speak up on behalf of his fellow workers and fought for what he believed. Gordon was a lifetime member of Augusta Custer VFW #7956. Gordon always had the time to visit and talk. A Jack of All Trades, he could diagnose and fix just about anything. Gordy was a true friend; he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, NASCAR, watching his grandkids play sports, taking his grandson to horseback riding, and he was an “unofficial comedian”. Gordon will be remembered as a Gentle Giant without a filter.

Friends will be received 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. A service will be held for Gordon’s family at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and Fort Custer National Cemetery all volunteer Honor Guard, and with a committal by Pastor Mark Behr of North Athens Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to DAV.org (Disabled American Veterans). Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.