Richard Burkholder

Richard R. Burkholder, age 88, passed away June 22, 2011. He was born and raised in Mansfield, OH, where he still enjoys many friends. He was the son of the late Ruth and Roy Burkholder, a tool and dye maker at the Westinghouse plant. He was All State Basketball player at Mansfield High School in ’41, where he also starred in cross country and baseball. He was also the president of his senior class. He attended Ohio Wesleyan and graduated in 1947, after he returned from the service. He received his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1949, where he became a rabid Wolverine fan which he continued throughout his life despite being outnumbered in Columbus. Richard served in WWII from January 1944 to October 1945. He was First Lieutenant United States Air Force. He was a B-24 Pilot, 15th AAF, 98th Bomber Group, 343rd Bomber Squadron. He flew a plane named “Happy” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Richard was stationed in the European Theatre and flew missions primarily in Italy, Romania and Southern Germany. He had over 50 missions total, including 5 “lone wolf” missions. He was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for landing his B-24 after sustaining heavy flak damage on a remote air strip just south of the Italian Alps. He was also awarded multiple Oak Clusters for outstanding flying; he never had a “turnback”. Richard married Carol Hosler February 11, 1950. They raised their three children together and settled into a life of enjoying tennis, golf, and taking trips to Arizona for winter warmth. Richard started working at the old Westinghouse Electric Company as Advertising Manager for Refrigeration Units in 1950. He founded Burkholder Flint Advertising with his partner Herb Flint in 1959. The company is still in business today under the leadership of Bob Wiseman. He was a wonderful and engaged advertising man. He was President of Columbus Sales Executive Club in 1970-71. He also served as President of National Advertising Agency Network and served on the Board of Columbus Ad Club and the Columbus Zoo. He was a member of Brookside Country Club from 1960’s to 2011. He enjoyed playing golf with family and friends. Richard was also a Member of First Community Church for more than 50 years where he and his wife Carol taught Sunday school. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Burkholder; parents Roy and Ruth Burkholder; sisters, Martha Gertel and Marguerite Burkholder. He is survived by children, Amy (Keith) Fleming of Pittsburgh, PA, Bruce (Toni) Burkholder of Dublin, OH, and Alan (Patti) Burkholder of Cota de Casa, CA; brother-in-law, Richard (Martha) Hosler, 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 10am Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212. Rev. Deborah Lindsay officiating. Contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of Richard. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL (614) 457-5481.