Norton Brian Keith Burkhalter

Norton Brian Keith Burkhalter, formerly of B/CS, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2012, in San Diego, CA, resulting from a motorcycle accident. A memorial service to celebrate Brian's life is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas.

Born in Bryan, August 18, 1969,to Norton Darryll Burkhalter and Joanne (Roll) Burkhalter McNew. After graduating Bryan High in '89, Brian joined the U.S. Navy, serving his country during the Gulf War, on the destroyer tender USS Acadia. There he met and married Carole Dawn Gossen, of Colby, KS. Brian's life was forever changed on May 29, 1993, the day Zachary Ryan Burkhalter was born. Brian left the Navy in 1995, with commendations, having earned the rank of E4. He stayed to make his life in San Diego. He lived his life to the fullest, later finding and falling in love with his fiance', Ruth, and her son Billy.

Brian returned to school to earn an AAS degree in Drafting Technology, while establishing his own landscape company. Thereafter, Brain began his career working for San Diego International (Lindberg Field) Airport. Brian was a hard worker who loved his job and his co-workers, making them with his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor.

Brian's passions were racing motorcycles and martial arts. He loved spending time with family and friends; attending concerts with Ruth, playing disk golf with Zachary, working on his truck & Harley with Billy and the guys, loving on devoted pets, Bailey & Leroy. Brian touched the lives of many and he will be deeply missed.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Norton Darryll Burkhalter.

Survivors include his cherished son, Zachary Ryan Burkhalter of Amarillo; his fiancé, Ruth Adrian Creen-Boulware & her son, William Patrick Creen of El Cajon, Calif.; his beloved mother, Joanne Burkhalter McNew and stepdad, Lamar McNew; sisters, Jennifer Burkhalter, Elizabeth Burkhalter Johnson & niece, Chandler Johnson; cousin, Michael Charles Roll, Jr., all of Bryan; stepsiblings, Kyle McNew, Loc McNew, & Sarylin Morris; Loving aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education fund established for Brian's son, Zachary at any Citibank location, reference acct#2520