Eugene "Gene" Burkhead

Eugene “Gene” Burkhead, 83, of Overton, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2015, at Good Samaritan Society-St. John’s in Kearney. Gene was born November 22, 1931, in Oakdale, Nebraska, to Raymond and Emma (Newton) Burkhead. He was a 1951 graduate of Kearney High School, and went on to further his education at Milford Trade School earning his Associate’s degree in Electronics. In between graduating high school and Milford Trade School, Gene served his country in the United States Army from June 2, 1953, until his honorable discharge on May 11, 1955. He was united in marriage to Shirley Stine on December 21, 1958, in Hope Lutheran Church near Smithfield, Nebraska. Two children were blessed to this marriage; Dale and Nancy. The couple lived in Chadron from May, 1959 until December, 1959, where Gene serviced televisions. In 1960, they moved to Cambridge where he was co-owner of Cambridge TV & Appliance. While in Cambridge, he served as president of the chamber of commerce, a member of the Lion’s Club, and a volunteer fireman. They moved to Valentine in October, 1965, until April of 1966, where he serviced television sets. The family moved to Overton in 1966, where he was the Associate Engineer at Plectron for 17 ½ years. Overton was a wonderful place to live and raise their family. He was active as a volunteer fireman from 1966 until 1984, serving as first aid captain for 13 years. He completed his EMT training and taught CPR for 6 years including two years at Overton Public Schools. In 1979, Gene was awarded the Nebraska Rescue and Emergency Care Association Award. Gene was recognized for his involvement in training and equipping the rescue squad and teaching CPR in the community. Gene was so proud of his honor. He also served several years on the town board. Gene’s hobbies included; camping, hunting, and fishing. He was so proud of the fact he earned two Master Angler Awards. He greatest enjoyment was attending his grandsons’ activities and being with his family. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington since 1966. He was baptized and joined the church on December 20, 1959, in Chadron, Nebraska. The family wishes to thank his many friends for their kindness in taking him to coffee and his exercises classes. This meant the world to us. Survivors include his wife of 57 years; Shirley Burkhead of Overton, Nebraska; son, Dale (Jerri) Burkhead of Gothenburg, Nebraska; daughter, Nancy (Scott) Davenport of Overton, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Matthew (Nicole) Davenport of Overton, Nebraska, Tyler Davenport of Overton, Nebraska, Aaron (Mia) Johnson of Gothenburg, Nebraska, Seth (Kelsey) Johnson of Ravenna, Nebraska, and, Jake Lanini of Lincoln, Nebraska; several great-grandchildren; one sister, Phyllis (Merlin) Neeman of Gibbon, Nebraska; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John; and, sister, Darlene Johnston. Funeral Services will be Monday, October 19, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastors Josh Stibb and John Gosswein officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 18, 2015, from 2-4 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Burial with full military honors will be in the Overton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Overton Rescue Unit or Grace Lutheran Caring Cooks Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.comm.