Roger O. Burkholder

View Video Tribute Roger O. Burkholder, 63 years, of Bryan, died on Friday, December 15, 2006, at Mercy Hospital, Defiance, Ohio. A graduate of Leetonia High School, Roger received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bluffton College and his Masters of Music from Bowling Green State University. Roger began his teaching career in the Lima City Schools, where he taught for eight years. He began teaching at Bryan City Schools in 1973 and was the orchestra director and tennis coach for 25 years, retiring in 1998. He also owned and operated Classique Chimney Sweepe in Bryan, Ohio, since 1979. He was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan, the Bryan 15-55 Investment Club, the Bryan Lions Club, the Northwest Ohio Emmaus Community, and the Fountain City Festival summer productions as orchestra director and orchestra member. He directed many Bryan High School musicals over the years and provided leadership for funding the new gazebo on the courthouse square in downtown Bryan. He was formerly a member of the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Roger was born on August 2, 1943, in Salem, Ohio, the son of Joseph A. and Fay E. (Lehman) Burkholder. He married Patricia A. Barnes on January 28, 1967, in Lima, Ohio, and she survives. In addition to his wife, Patricia, Roger is survived by two sons, Kyle (Natalie) Burkholder, of Grabill, Indiana, and Rev. Kevin (Julie) Burkholder, of Akron, Ohio; three grandchildren, Alexa, David and Thomas Burkholder; one brother, Raymond (Judy) Burkholder, of Leetonia, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant daughters. Funeral services for Roger Owen Burkholder will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2006, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center Street, Bryan, Ohio, with Rev. Dwight E. Bowers officiating. Interment will follow in Brown Cemetery, Bryan, Ohio. Visitation for Mr. Burkholder will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2006, in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Stret, Bryan, Ohio. Friends may also visit one hour prior to funeral services on Wednesday at Wesley United Methodist Church. Memorials in the name of Roger Owen Burkholder may be given to Wesley United Methodist Church or a scholarship fund to be developed for a Bryan High School Orchestra student.