Obituary of Wesley Eugene Burkholder

Hunker, Wesley Eugene Burkholder Sr., age 73 of Hunker, PA, died Monday (2/3/14) at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Burkholder was born July 19, 1940 in Connellsville, PA, the son of the late John W. and Hazel M. Eutsey Burkholder. He was a member of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church. Wesley served in the United States Army from 1958 until 1961. He retired from the Youngwood Borough Maintenance Department, where he was known for constructing the signage leaving Youngwood Borough. He later worked as a Maintenance Man for the New Stanton Commons. Wes was known for his woodworking skills, drawing and drafting, and from banjo and guitar building to playing the instruments he built. Wes could fix or repair anything. He was a well respected man, whom everyone looked up to. An avid story teller, he seemed to have a joke for every occasion and a contagious laugh. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather and a friend to many. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Wesley is survived by his loving family: his wife of 52 years, M. Irene Stoner Burkholder, his devoted children; Bradford Stoner and Gina of Shirley, WV, Wesley E. Burkholder, Jr. and Carrie of Tarrs, Annette Blanche, Shanndah Burkholder and Sarah, Crystal Burkholder and Tony, all of Hunker, Debbie Lint and John of Smithton, and Emma Stoner of Hunker, and his son-in-law Gerald Beltz of Tarrs. He will be sadly missed by his loving grandchildren, Alex and Taylor Burkholder, Bradford Stoner, Jr., Megan Stoner, Justin, Jaynee, Jackie, Joey and Jordan Beltz, Caleb Amstone, Gage Langley, and Phoenix Roberts, and his devoted great grandchildren, Ethan, Paige, Arica, Damian, and Lilly. In addition to his parents, Wes was preceded in death by his children, Margo Renee Beltz in 2006, Christopher Burkholder in 2009 and Carol Kite, and his brothers, Barry, Bill and Tom Burkholder. Family and friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 PM at the Galone-Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle Street, Mount Pleasant. Funeral Services for Wesley will be held Friday at 12:00-Noon in the funeral home, with the Rev. Ralph A. Mostolller officiating. Interment with military rites accorded by the American Legion Post 446 will be in the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Tarrs. To offer an online condolence, please visit our web site at: www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com