Walter Roy Burckholter, age 80 of Celina, passed away at 1:15p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 at the Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater. Walter was born on Nov. 2, 1932 in Zanesville, Ohio to the late Roy & Clara (Coyle) Burckholter. On Aug. 21, 1954 he married Mary Lois Samsel, who was his loving wife for over 58 yrs. Also surviving are his children Michael & Diana Burckholter of Celina, Brian & Joyce Burckholter of Antwerp, Jon Burckholter of Columbus, GA., Brad & Teresa Burckholter of Celina, Caprice Burckholter of Lima, Chris & Marie Burckholter of Celina, 9 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, brothers & sister-in-law Charles & Gloria Burckholter of Zanesville, William & Sandra Burckholter of Philo, Wesley Burckholter of Germany, Barbara Burckholter of California. He graduated from Philo High School 1949 and graduated from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music with a bachelor's of science degree. He was formerly employed as the Band Director in Coldwater, McComb, Washington Court House, Goshen, and Morrow, Ohio. He was a security guard for Pinkerton Security at New Idea in Coldwater, and was currently employed at Walmart for the last 10 years. He loved gardening and music. Funeral services will be held at 11:00a.m. on Saturday Dec. 15, 2012 at the Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina, with Albert Alspaugh officiating. Burial will follow at Mercer Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8p.m. on Friday Dec. 14, 2012 and 1 hour before services on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Children's Miracle Network. Condolences may be made at LHDfuneralhome.com.
