Elmer C. Burkhardt, 86, of Allentown died Tuesday, November 18, 2008 in his home. He was the husband of Grace T. (Smith) Burkhardt. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last February 27.

Born in Upper Macungie Township, on July 25, 1922, Elmer was the son of the late William A. and Emma M. (Bealer) Burkhardt. He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was employed as a maintenance mechanic for Mack Trucks, Inc. in Allentown for 20 years before retiring in 1985. Active in many aspects of the community in which he resided, Elmer was a member of the Jordan United Church of Christ, Allentown, where he always arrived early to serve as a greeter and served on the Consistory as a Deacon and Elder; he was Vice-President of the Jordan U.C.C. Cemetery Association for 24 years; former Chaplain and Senior Vice Commander of the Vernon G. Kern V.F. W. Post # 8344, Schnecksville; he was an active volunteer Firefighter and Fire Police Captain for the Tri-Clover Fire Company in Orefield with 35 years of service.

Survivors: Wife; son, Donald E. Burkhardt and his wife Linda of Allentown; brothers, Charles W. Burkhardt of Florida and Carl W. Burkhardt of Allentown; sisters, Marion M. TerHaar of South Carolina, Mildred S. Favey of Las Vegas, Nevada, Pauline Gillette of Kunkletown, Gladys Held of New Tripoli; grandchildren, Steven, Kristin, Trisha and Nicole; great grandchildren, Andrew and Mya; predeceased by a daughter, Sandra A. Jensen who died in 1987.

Services: Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2008 at Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, Allentown with the Rev. Dr. David Charles Smith officiating. Family and friends may call 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Monday in the church. Interment with military honors will follow the service on the Jordan U.C.C. Cemetery. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., in Schnecksville is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jordan U.C.C. Cemetery Association c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.