Donald Ray Burkhead, age 68, passed away on Saturday, (December 9, 2023) at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro, KY after a long and valiant struggle with multiple illnesses. He was born on October 16, 1955 to the late Vernon Oliver and Freda Alois Clark Burkhead in Louisville, KY. He was baptized as a teenager and was a faithful member of the Lord's Church at Clarkson Church of Christ.

Don was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving as an MP at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota. After an honorable discharge, Don served Grayson County as a deputy sheriff and then served the city of Leitchfield as a patrol officer, police chief, firearms instructor and captain. Subsequently he retired with a total of 35 years combined, as a military and civil servant.

Don was a respected and admired citizen of the community he loved and served. He was a faithful and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife of more than 45 years, Jo Ann Carnes Burkhead, one daughter, Donica Heather Young; one son, Adam Trevor (Amanda) Burkhead; five beloved and devoted grandchildren, Landen Mark Young, Seth Alexander Young, Colton Reese Young, Ellie Elizabeth Burkhead and Easton Bennett Burkhead, all of Leitchfield; one brother, James Martin Burkhead of Louisville; and one sister, Mary Jo Burkhead of Leitchfield. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, family, extended family and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Vernon and Alois Burkhead; his brother, Roger Dale Burkhead; and his nephew, Chad Eric Pence.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, (December 30, 2023) at the Clarkson Church of Christ. Bro. Travis Quertermous will be officiating. Burial will be in the Clarkson Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday (December 29, 2023) and at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. on Saturday (December 30, 2023) until 12:30 p.m. at which time we will be leaving for the church for the funeral services.