Paul W.  Burkett, age 86, went home to be with his Savior Tuesday, April 19, 2016 following a brave battle with cancer. He was born in Navarre on October 26, 1929, to the late William and Cora Mae(Spiegel) Burkett. He was preceded in death by his lovely bride of over 50 years Margaret (Byelene) and brothers, Harold and Dale. Paul is survived by his daughters, Becky (Ron) Allen of Belvedere, SC, Judy (Charlie) Newton of Atlanta, Sandy (Mark) Brado of Canal Fulton, son Bill (Carol) Burkett of St. Augustine, brother Bill (Kay) Burkett of Massillon, along with eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Paul grew up on farms in Navarre and Brewster tinkering with tractors and building hupmobiles with his brothers.  He loved the outdoors;  especially trapping, fishing and hunting.  Hes best described by words like cantankerous, fun loving, and witty.
He enlisted in the Marines and served as a corporal during the Korean War participating in the seizure of Inchon and the Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin campaign with the 1st Division.  After the war, he worked for the Railroad as a brakeman.  Never a fan of following orders, he retired to start his own car repair business, Burkett Auto Sales & Service. His hobbies included gardening, canning, Burkett engineering, and bartering with the Amish.  His Friday night summer fish frys were legendary.
He taught his children the importance of a relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He started a coffee and donut ministry at St. John Lutheran and was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran. He was a 40 year member of the Massillon VFW Post 3124. He created lasting memories for his children with traditional Friday night drive-in movies and Sunday drives.  He taught his grandchildren valuable skills like how to skin a squirrel and the joy of a good Swiss cheese.
His last several years were spent waving to passersby from his porch and selling his wares.
He was very appreciative of the staff at the Cleveland Clinic, Rose Lane and Crossroads Hospice - who comforted him through his final months.
The family will receive friends on  Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Heitger Funeral Home - 639 First St. N.E., Massillon from 4 to 6 PM and on Monday from 9:30 to 10 AM at the church prior to the service.
Funeral service will be held  at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 129 Cherry Rd. N.E., Massillon, Ohio  44646  on Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10 AM.
Burial  with military honors will follow at Brookfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either St. Paul's Lutheran Church or Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio  44195 or www.giving.clevelandclinic.org . (Taussig Cancer Institute)

Please leave words of condolences at www.heitger.com .
Heitger Funeral Home - Massillon Chapel  330-833-3248