WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ralph “Jerry” Burkhead, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday morning, February 8, 2025, at Edgewood Nursing and Rehabilitation in Three Rivers.
He was born February 4, 1948 in Sturgis, son of the late Ralph M. “Hap” and Eulalia M. “Pat” (Houser) Burkhead.
Jerry was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1968.
He had been employed by Burkhead Construction Company, Doerr Products, Tube Fabricators, Grumman Olson, drove semi for several individuals and companies, delivered travel trailers for Horizon Transport, and worked at Godfrey Marine.
Jerry loved pretty much anything with wheels including cars, trucks and semis, and his belief was the faster they ran the better. He was a member of the Corvette Club where he served as club mascot and a former member of Eagles Lodge #1314.
Jerry was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his significant other: Ann Humphries of Sturgis; daughters: Holly L. (Burkhead) Altman of Kilgore, Texas and Vicky I. Burkhead of Sturgis; son: Jerry I. Burkhead of Sturgis; grandchildren: Dustynn, Jayce, McKenna, Lily and Garrett; seven great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents: Morton and Lillian Burkhead and Richard Ray & Sarah Houser and brother: William Burkhead.
In honoring his wishes cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends to share memories and celebrate Jerry’s life will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 on Wednesday, February 12th at Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Private interment of the remains will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis at a later date. Military honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the American Heart Association, 3940 Peninsular Dr SE # 180, Kentwood, MI 49546, American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215 or Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan 25200 Telegraph Rd. Suite 110, Southfield, MI 48033.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
