Daniel Ray Burkhardt

He is survived by Tina Marie Burkhardt, his high school sweetheart of 51 years, and his one and only, and favorite son, James Nicholas Burkhardt; by his granddaughter Ava Nicole Burkhardt, the apple of his eye; along with his loving mother Pamela Carol Burkhardt of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his siblings who all reside in New Mexico, Leah Burkhardt and her husband Chris Hooten, Molly Malizzo and her husband Frank Malizzo; 11 wonderful nieces and nephews along with 3 spouses.

Although family may be miles apart each and every one were always close to his heart. He envisioned one day of being close again returning to the land he loved so much and always called home that of Albuquerque, New Mexico

He is preceded by his father James Ray Burkhardt.

His education began in Albuquerque with graduation at Albuquerque High School before attending Eastern New Mexico University.

He enjoyed swimming and swam competitively during his high school days. He lettered in photography at Albuquerque High School and still continued taking pictures of fun things and lots of birds.

At the age of 15, Daniel met Tina many years ago at the First Baptist Church of Albuquerque for a youth social on July 4th. The fireworks began that night and never stopped. They both continued to love the holiday and its exhibitions from then on.

A love for music was shared by his father at a young age. He enjoyed all genre of music with the best being the music of the 60's and the classical music of all the great composers. At the age of 16, he worked all summer on a peanut farm in Texas. Saving all his money he bought his first guitar and his love only grew more for the stringed instruments - another acoustic guitar and electric guitar mandolin, and even a banjo and ukulele.

Daniel began a career in the banking industry by working in the mailroom at First National Bank of Albuquerque. He then fell in love with the technical side of things and worked at Wells Fargo Bank beginning his 41st year being a Software Lead Engineer. He won many awards for his outstanding work accomplishments.

The outdoors was his favorite place to be, hiking in the mountains or driving around 46 out of 50 states in his dearly beloved Jeep. He could not get enough of trivia, of the show Jeopardy, crossword puzzles of any nature and author. Politics was very much a love in his mind. He even liked the marches and rallies as he participated in some. He especially loved cooking and mastering the favorites of many cultures. He especially loved to cook. He learned many Mexican traditional favorites from his mother, Tina being Italian, he learned those favorites from his father-in-law, Carl Nicholas Maico. While visiting New Orleans, he learned Cajun cooking from his favorites Chef Paul Prudhommes. He shared this enjoyment w/ Tina being his Sous Chef.

As a loving father for Nic, his #1 (and only son) one who did not care to really watch sports on TV or live, he never missed his son’s basketball games or golf rounds and tournaments no matter what state they may be in. He was his #1 fan and shall always remain so.

As a loving grandfather to his only granddaughter Ava, he enjoyed the time shared together, from her birth and holding her for the first time. He was smitted. He looked forward to the days & times they shared together they bonded over the love of cooking and baking and watching the cooking shows together on Tv and even the rough competitiveness of playing games & cards. Through the years there again he never missed Ava perform. Whether through gymnastics, numerous dance recitals, many volleyball games, & the tournaments - She brought him so much love and enjoyment, with her sense of humor and laughter and those good conversations.

Daniel will be missed but will forever have a place in the hearts of those who knew him. All our love to you, till we meet again.

I love you.

A visitation will be held at J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Directors, located at 523 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051, US. The visitation is scheduled for January 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.