William Leroy “Bill” Burkhalter

William Leroy “Bill” Burkhalter was born in Durant, Okla. on the Oct. 14, 1948. He lost his hard-fought battle with cancer on the February 25, 2022 at his home in Durant. He was the eldest of the five children of Cochran LRoy and Imateen Benedict Burkhalter.

He graduated from Borger High School as a part of the Class of 1967. He served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Navy from 1969-1973. During his service, he had his son, Michael Kelly Burkhalter.

After returning home he worked as an engineer at Texas Instruments while attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Education in 1978 and began his career as a public school history teacher and athletic coach. Coach Burk, as his students knew him, taught all aspects of history and government as well as coached football, basketball, tennis, and track. It was during this time he met his wife of 28 years, Cindy Lee Gateley. A few years later they welcomed their daughter, Amy Leigh Burkhalter, into the family.

In 2006, after 17 years of service, he retired from Hugo Public Schools. A lifelong lover of music, he wrote more than 300 songs and spent most of his time in his music room. He taught himself how to play the guitar, piano, drums, and any other instrument you set in front of him. He also would often be found at the local golf course or fishing out by his pond.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Cochran LRoy Burkhalter; his mother, Imateen Benedict Burkhalter; and sister, Rebecca Ann Burkhalter.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, of the home; son, Kelly and wife Kellie of Corinth, Texas; daughter, Amy of Tulsa, Okla.; brother, Dewey and wife Sylvia of Waxahachie, Texas; brother, Rodney and wife Sheryl of Durant, Okla.; brother, Brian and wife Latisha of Durant, Okla.; uncle, Keiller and wife Linda of Calera, Okla.; grandchildren, Kacie and Kaden of Corinth, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His memorial service will take place on the March 1, 2022, at Brown’s Funeral Service at 10 a.m. A family night will take place Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. He will be interred at Highland Cemetery in Durant, Okla., alongside his family.