Austin Burkhart was born March 21, 1993 in Mansfield Ohio to Mark and Laurie Burkhart. He was a beautiful soul taken too early.
As a kid, he would jump off anything and always knew the exact height that was safe. As an adult, he was much more cautious, especially as a driver. His family teased him about being a “grandpa” behind the wheel and his cousins would make him leave last so they wouldn’t have to pass him along the way. He was an animal lover, especially cats. His uncle had a cat that no one could pick up but Austin. He could drape that cat over his shoulder and carry him around for hours. Austins’ coworkers always gave him the most difficult clients knowing he would turn them around in a matter of minutes. He had a gift of empathy, listening well and implementing solutions perfectly. Those who knew him used words like, gentle, kind and selfless. He was an amazing coworker and friend to so many. He lived in Nebraska, but called family members (parents, grandparents, brother and cousins) several times a week. The conversations were a gift, one that we will always treasure.
Austin graduated from Lexington High School and participated in cross country and swimming. He taught swimming lessons and coached swimming while in college. His degree from North Central State College was in IT and he worked for several companies in Ohio and Nebraska. He enjoyed working on cars, listening to new hard rock and reading.
He leaves behind, his wife, Sami, parents, step-father Dave, brother Aaron, Uncle Ken (Joy) Gledhill and cousins Cody, Zach and Shelby Gledhill as well as Grandparents Loren (Carol) Gledhill. He was so incredibly loved and will be deeply missed. Our loss is immense.
There has been some confusion about the celebrations. Marks will be on 3.21, which I will not be at. Mine will be as mentioned below.
There will be a celebration of life near Austin’s birthday on March 23 from 1-4 at the Carriage house at Kingwood Center. Parking is free if you mention the celebration of life.