Richard P. Burkhardt

BURKHARDT III M.D. (Butler County Coroner, Ret.)

Richard P. "Dr. B"

On September 7, 2013 a man of selfless service passed with his family by his side in Hamilton. Dr. B retired as Butler County Coroner after 32 years of service, to God, his family and to those in need. His passion and knowledge will be adored and missed by many; however his legacy will live on. Richard Peter Burkhardt III was born in Dayton, OH, the son of Thomas and Kathryn Burkhardt and was joined by six siblings.

Dr. Burkhardt graduated from the University of Dayton in 1960 with a BS and in 1964 from the University of Cincinnati with a medical doctorate degree. He interned at Cincinnati General Hospital from 1964 to 1965 and served as Captain in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1967.

In 1965 Richard married Marilyn Sanders to which they together cherished 4 children and 12 grandchildren from this union.

In 1968, Dr. Burkhardt, with partner and friend, Dr. Richard Zettler, established the Linden Medical Group, where he practiced medicine for the next 25 years.

In 1980, Dr. B was elected by the voters of Butler County to serve as their Coroner. While upholding the knowledge and application of the Ohio Revised Coroner Code, he juggled the responsibilities of treating patients and serving as Chief of Staff of Mercy Hospital of Fairfield in 1980 and Chief of Staff of Mercy Hospital of Hamilton in 1989.

He was a dedicated member of the Lindenwald Kiwanis having served as their Lieutenant Governor of the 5th District from 1999-2000. Other memberships included:

Ohio State Coroner's Association; International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners; Butler County Medical Society; American Medical Association; and proud supporter and participant of the Annual Antique Car Parade.

In 2003, Dr. Burkhardt established the first self-contained Autopsy Facility in Butler County and has long been recognized for his exemplary service to his community as Coroner by his repeated vote into office with eight elect ions, four terms with a total of 32 years of being the highest ranking official.

He retired from his private medical practice in 1992 and remained faithful to his role as Coroner for the next decade, retiring from the seat on March 31, 2012. As a physician and Coroner, Dr. Burkhardt cared for countless patients and investigated more than 10, 466 deaths to include 366 homicides, 1015 car accidents and 1608 other accidents. With this duty, he never forgot the honor and privilege of caring for those in need and trying to uphold his office with the utmost respect and care for lives that were lost, and most importantly to those who were left behind.

Upon his retirement, Dr. B enjoyed time with his loving wife, dedicated family and treasured his Packard fleet and has with no doubt reflected on his memories of being most importantly, a servant to God, his wife, his family, friends, country and those in need.

He will forever be missed by, his loving wife, Marilyn (nee Sanders) Burkhardt; children, Daniel (Janet), Penny (Richard), Rich (Marcia), Jodie (Brian);

Grandchildren Rachel, Kalette, Jacie, Nicholas, Thomas, Adam, Victoria, Emma, Noah, Grace, and Liam; great-grandchildren Nicholas and Kaylee; Siblings Mary Kay Burkhardt, Carol Ann Keith, Dorothy Leik, Thomas Burkhardt, Paul Burkhardt and Maria Berry.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 12, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 925 S 2nd St., Hamilton, OH 45011. Entombment will follow at St. Stephen Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 11 at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield, OH 45014. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph School. www.avancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

4-8pm Wednesday, September 11th at Avance Funeral Home and Crematory

Service

10:30am Thurday, September 12, 2013 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church