Fondly known as "Coach B", "Wheat" or "Wood", Lynwood has resided in Sulphur since 1980 and was a member of Maplewood United Methodist Church. He was an Industrial Inspector and retried from Basell in 2011. "Coach B" selflessly volunteered his time to Our Lady's School, coaching boys’ and girls’ basketball and track teams while finding time to be a Den Pack Leader for OLS and helping at the school when needed. He was an active member of Masonic Lodge 424 of Sulphur, Hadji Shriners and Habibi Shriners, Grotto Scottish Rites and The Eastern Star. "Wheat” enjoyed tinkering in his shop and doing projects around his house, loved boating and just hanging out near the water. Spending time with family, especially his grandchildren was his greatest joy. He was also known for his impromptu dance parties and waking the family up each morning to the song "Only the Good Die Young". He will be remembered for his quick wit, his long intellectual answers, and fun-loving nature. Most of all Lynwood's unwavering dedication and love for his family was evident in all that he did; his family received an email that was sent by him before his passing but did not show up until after; the email read, "I will love you until the day after forever"
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 41 years, Karen "Kay" Berry Burkhalter; daughter, Amelia "Amy" Burkhalter Abernathy and husband Will of Franklin, TN; son, Eric "Bear" Burkhalter and fiancé', Whitney Askew of Milton, FL; two grandchildren, Egan Elizabeth Abernathy and Wyatt Lawson Burkhalter; sisters, Paula Jan Uhlir and husband, Raymond of Nashville, TN and Claudia Burkhalter of
Warrensville, NC; brother, Paul and his wife Susan; brother-in-law, George Berry of Tuscaloosa, AL; and his beloved pet, "Griffin".
A Celebration Service honoring Lynwood's life will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Maplewood United Methodist Church. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 11am until time of service. On Friday, July 26, there will be a private Masonic service at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home at 12pm. Lynwood always stated "Fashion was his life"; keeping true to his style everyone is asked to wear Hawaiian shirts or sun dress and of course, flip flops. His family will continue to honor his wishes with a Celebration Party at their home immediately following the Church Celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hadji Shrine or Habibi Shrine in care of Lynwood C. Burkhalter Shriner, Member #3111, Shrine ID: 515369. Electronic donations can be made to
The Shriners International. Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
