Peter C. Burkhart

Peter Crosley Burkhart went to be with the Lord Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at the age of 91. Peter was a person of faith and lived his life serving others.

Peter was born September 29, 1926 in Aberdeen, Washington to Robert and Mabel (Dumas) Burkhart, spending most of his youth on farms in Eastern Washington.

He enlisted in the United States Army January 10, 1945 and proudly served until his honorable discharge November 1, 1946.

Peter went on to attend Northwest Nazarene College and graduated in 1950.

Peter married Meryle Carrier August 25, 1949 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  Peter and Meryle had a collaborative and caring relationship. It was based on mutual support and a deep love for each other, family and faith.

There was nothing Peter liked better than a spirited conversation. He could have an engaging conversation with anyone whether they were new to his circle of acquaintances, or a longtime friend.

Peter and Meryle began their ministry in Wapato, WA then Ellensburg, WA. In 1962 they were appointed missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene to Guyana, S. America, where they served for 10 years. From 1973-1976 they pastored the Karcher Church of the Nazarene in Nampa, Idaho. They returned to missions, until their retirement in 1993, serving in the Philippines.

Peter had a passion for crafts, cars, computers and cameras. He also loved the outdoors, especially bird-watching, and was an avid member of the Nampa Audubon Society.

Peter's family was the pride and joy of his life. The legacy of Peter’s kind spirit, genuine care for the people around him, and love of God will live on through them. Peter is survived by his five children: Daniel (Lynda) Burkhart of Bloomington, Illinois; Jim (Carol) Burkhart of Alpharetta, Georgia; Sandra (Walt) Keith of Roswell, Georgia; Janet (David) Thom of Nampa, Idaho; and Philip (Karen) Burkhart of Danville, California. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren with two more expected.  Sister Joanne Weatherford and brother Roger Burkhart.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Meryle in April, 2017, a grandson, Matthew, in 2012, his parents, Robert and Mabel Burkhart, two brothers, Dave and Bob, and his sister, Ruthie.

A memorial service to celebrate Peter’s life will be held Aug 31st, 2018 at 2:00pm at Karcher Church of the Nazarene, 2213 Karcher Road, Nampa, ID 83651 followed by a reception at the church.  Private family interment will be held at the Idaho State Veterans’ Cemetery in Boise.

Memorials in Peter’s memory may be made to the Karcher Church of the Nazarene Building Fund.

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