John Burkholder

John H. Burkholder, 84, of Ontario, died Saturday, March 26, 2011, at MedCentral Mansfield. Born January 19, 1927, in Pavonia, Ohio, he was the son of Clinton and Marjorie Doolittle Burkholder. He joined the United States Navy at the age of 17, serving in Guam in the fleet hospital during World War II. He transferred to inactive reserve in 1947 and worked for a time at Sears in Mansfield. After going back to active duty in 1953, he served in the Southeastern United States and the Panama Canal. John also served one year during the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. He finished his active Navy duty and retired in Warminster, PA in August 1971. He returned to Mansfield, Ohio and spent the remainder of his working years at Mansfield General Hospital as the Purchasing Director.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eleanor Damoff Burkholder; his children, John A. Barbara Burkholder of Long Beach, CA, Steven N. Wendy Burkholder of Middletown , CT, Diane David Peck of Tallapoosa, GA and Mary Burkholder of Annapolis, MD; four grandchildren, Paul Burkholder, Joseph Burkholder, Nora Peck and Erica Rayack; and a brother, Don Burkholder of Columbus, OH.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Mansfield conducted by Rev. Don Holzapple. Burial will follow in Pavonia Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the services, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., at the funeral home on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203 or to a charity of the donor's choice.