Bill Burkholder

Bill Burkholder of Miami, TX,  passed peacefully from this life into the next at home, Saturday, March 12, 2022. 

Bill was born March 2, 1938 in Borger, TX to Chuck and Ida May Burkholder of Stinnett, TX. Bill graduated in 1956 from Stinnett High School and went on to study at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO from which he graduated in 1962. He was ordained as a minister in July of 1964 and began a lifetime of service to others in the ministry. 

Bill married Sue Forrest in June 1960. They had two children, Donald and Deborah. Bill pastored churches in Riverside, CA, Medicine Lodge, KS, and Farmington, NM. In 1974 Bill and family moved to Overland Park, KS where he became a missionary, spending his days caring for people all over Kansas City. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles, sisters, Rosa and Elaine, and wife Sue. 

In 2002, Bill married Dee Ann and became stepdad to Tammy Sundeen and Mike Dombaugh. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Dee Ann of the home; his children, Donald Burkholder of Kirtland, NM and Deborah Burkholder of Lakewood, CO; stepchildren, Tammy Sundeen and husband Dan of Castle Rock, CO and Mike Dombaugh and wife Kenia Elizabeth of Castle Rock, CO; granddaughters, Jessica, Amanda, Nikki, and Katie; grandson, Dylan; great-granddaughters, Leah and Ashley; great-grandson, D.J.; sister-in-law, Kay Ridinger and her husband Paul; brother-in-law, Richard Elliff; and several nieces along with their children and grandchildren. 

Per his request, Bill will be cremated and there will be a small private ceremony this summer when his ashes will be scattered in the Rocky Mountains.

All of this data tells you the facts about Bill's life, the dash between the dates, but they don't tell you about his love for people and all the people that loved him. He is beloved by people in the communities of Medicine Lodge, Kansas City, and Miami for always being there for them, encouraging them, and loving them. He traveled and spoke at churches all over the country.

He went to all the Miami school games because he wanted to support the kids and be there for them. He was always there for someone who had a need, sometimes lending a helping hand, sometimes a big hug, sometimes a shoulder to cry on, and sometimes providing an extra jacket or jumper cables.

His classmates from Stinnett were important to him and he loved staying connected with them and being part of the school reunions. At home he was beloved husband, Dad, Papa Bill, Grandpa Bill, and Uncle Bill. Family had to share him with everyone, but they all know he prayed for them every day and loved them.

All who knew Bill loved to hear his stories, and he enjoyed telling them. He will be remembered by so many who loved him and have a story of something he did to help them.

The family asks that you continue his legacy of service and caring for others, of showing Christ's love to everyone, meeting everyone where they're at and accepting them and loving as they are.