Jeirl Dewayne Burkhart, 80, of Roston, Texas passed away February 18, 2025 in Bowie, Texas. Jeirl was born on May 18, 1944 in Gainesville, Texas to Haskell Burkhart and Ruby Scott Burkhart.
Jeirl spent much of his life in Cooke County and surrounding areas where he was known for his knowledge of the great outdoors and was considered by many as a great outdoorsman. His greatest joys included being in the woods hunting, sitting on the banks of the Red River fishing or setting trotlines. He also loved rounding up rattle snakes from dens, the average person wouldn’t dare touch and organizing a summer fish fry. Most importantly Jeirl loved spending time with his family and magnitude of friends.
During one of Jeirl’s rattlesnake hunting expeditions in 1974, he sampled what he thought was a wild onion, which turned out to be a Death Camass, almost losing his life to the poison within this plant. At the time, he was believed to be the only person that had survived after eating this deadly plant and was written up in the Medical Journal after his experience.
Jeirl was a master machinist by trade and retired as such from Weber Aircraft in Gainesville, Texas. Jeirl loved to read and had a vast knowledge of many different topics and eras.
Jeirl is survived by his son, Derek Burkhart; son Craig Burkhart and wife Sylvia. Grandchildren, Seth Burkhart, Christian Burkhart, Olivia Burkhart Jones and husband Jackson, Adrian Burkhart and Sophie Burkhart; sister, Janie Burkhart Pinkston; niece Melissa Pinkston Lefevre and husband Kelly; Melinda Leahy and husband Rob. Great nephews and niece, Logan Pultz, Zachary Pultz and Challie Sanker.
Preceded in death by parents, Haskell and Ruby Burkhart; son, Johnny Burkhart; first wife and mother of their children, Connie Owens Burkhart; second wife, Wanda Corley Burkhart; great nephew and niece, Turner and Mattie Sanker; brother-in-law Slim Pinkston.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home, Gainesville, Texas. Condolences may be left on the Meador website: meadorfuneral.com.
At this time no services are scheduled.
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Jeirl’s passing really took me by surprise. For more than 8 years, my mother and then my father were in facilities where people would be here one day and gone the next. You develop a numbness after a while, until it happens in your family. I hope I am able to change my ways by calling people more. So long cousin, until we meet again.
My condolences to Janie, Derek, Craig, and the rest of the family.
Rest in pease, Jeirl.
I remember several years ago when we went out to visit them. Good times and great eating, usually fish and all the fixings. Fishing on the Red River was a must back in those days. All good times, our condolences to all the family. I know he is resting by those still waters.
Love and Prayers!
Sorry for your loss, Derick and Craig.
Jeirl was a very colorful person. I worked with him at Texas Instruments. He was a great friend. I enjoyed going fishing with him. I never met a person who didn’t like him. My condolences to the family. I’m sure he will be missed.
I always admired and loved Jereal. He was an amazing father and friend. Someday I will see him again and that will be a joyous reunion.