Burdette Woody Woodkirk

Burdette A. Woodkirk      “beloved father, companion, and grandfather”

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, Pa.---Burdette A. “Woody” Woodkirk, 84, of Hazle Township, formerly of Potter County, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, in Lehigh Valley Hospital in Hazleton, after a brief illness.

Born on Thursday, March 10, 1938, in Cuba, N.Y., he was a son of Neil Woodkirk and Mary Trask Woodkirk Sewell.

Woody attended Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. He was first employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad in Olean, N.Y., later was employed by Hanover Shoe Farms in Hanover, Pa., and was also employed as a heavy equipment operator in the construction industry.

Woody was a social member of the Conyingham VFW along with numerous other veteran’s clubs. He also was a member of many rod and gun clubs. He raised harness racing horses for many years, spending much quality time with his children in this endeavor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting pool, and playing golf. He loved his dogs throughout his life. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his longtime companion, Jacqueline “Bunny” Young, with whom he resided; five daughters, Melissa (Larry) Hunsberger of Emlenton, Melinda (William) Bowden of Foxfire, NC, Michelle (Don Kepple) Woodkirk of Sligo, Kimberly Woodkirk of McGrann, and Pamela (Joseph) Fletcher of Strattanville; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Jim) France, William Bowden III, Larissa (Carter) Flaherty, Austine Strominger, Wesley Hunsberger, Samuel Hunsberger, and Sierra Fletcher; four great-grandchildren, Madison France, Logan France, Mason France, and Elijah Strominger-Moffett; a great-grandson to be born in June 2023; several nieces and nephews, including Terry Gustin of the State of Washington, whom he considered a brother; a sister-in-law, Janice Woodkirk Pease of Shinglehouse; Bunny’s, daughter, Debbie (Steve) Golden of Nottingham; Bunny’s grandchildren, Stephanie, Abby, and Charlie; and his dog, Hoover.

In addition to his parents, Woody was predeceased by a son, Randy Woodkirk; five siblings, Neil Garth Woodkirk, Myeerah Gustin, Charles Woodkirk, Malcomb Woodkirk, and Connie Perry; a niece, Wanda Fuller, whom he considered a sister; and a son-in-law, Raymond L. Strominger.

Family and friends may call from 11am to 1pm on Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 1pm with Pastor Alan L. Mertsock of Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle, Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in Obi Cemetery, Obi, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Woody’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Woody, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.