Richard B. Burkett

Richard "Duke" B. Burkett, 91, of Fremont, OH passed away on January 8, 2026 at Valley View Health Campus in Fremont, OH surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 9, 1934, the son of Byron and Rosamond Ruth (Overmyer) Burkett. He was a 1952 graduate of Fremont Ross High School.

Duke married Janet Oesterle on June 15, 1951 and she preceded him in death on January 13, 2008. He was the owner of Burkett Industries Inc. which his grandfather started in 1870, and he sold the business on to the fifth generation in 2024.

Duke was very active in the Boy Scouts of America as a scout and a longtime Scout Master for Troop 405 at East Side Presbyterian Church and the District Camping Chairman. He was granted the highest award for leaders, the Silver Beaver Award. He also was awarded the Distinguished Service Award through the Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce and was a past President of the Chamber. He received the Woodville Community Service Appreciation Award. He was a board member and past President of the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation.

Duke was a chairman of the Fremont Ross High School Sports Hall of Fame and a member inducted with the 1951 football team as the first undefeated team in school history. He was also an all-state swimmer. He was a member and past President of the Fremont Outing Club and served as a trustee and chaplain at the Fremont Elks Lodge 169. Duke was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church where he served on various committees and was past President of the congregation. He was a Bethel Bible Educator at the church. He was an ardent member of the Toledo Schwaben Verein Club and the German American Festival Society celebrating German and Swiss heritage.

Although Duke packed a great deal of work in his daily life, he found respite and recreation in reading and card playing, hosting unforgettable parties and gatherings at the pond property (aka Hanamalia) he created, traveling with his wife and friends, and cheering on his favorite sports teams—the OSU Buckeyes, the Cleveland Guardians, and the Cleveland Browns.

A life-long hunter, Duke learned small game hunting under the tutelage of his father. He graduated to big game hunting with annual trips for over 50 years to the UP of Michigan for deer, and other trips to the West for elk hunting and to Canada for bear.

Duke lived a life of service and generosity that left an imprint on each life he touched. His flair for entertaining was the source for many celebrations and now treasured memories. His civic leadership, fierce patriotism, and professional integrity were living lessons. His visionary inclination and master hand at craftsmanship produced works that will survive him, and it is his powerful presence and resolute example which have created a living legacy for his family and friends.

Duke is survived by his children, Linda Panarella, Fremont, OH, Rick (Tess) Burkett, Asheville, NC and Brian (Liz) Burkett, Worthington, OH; grandchildren, Amber Brown, Dani (Kevin) Sloan, Ben (Brett Cushing), Kate (Evan Gizzie), Brendan, Sarah, and Christopher (Becca Layher) Burkett and great-grandchildren, AJ, Emily (John), Nicholas, Olivia, Christopher, James, and Riley; sister-in-law, Lois Waggoner and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet Burkett; siblings, Betty Oldham, Wendell "Bud" Burkett, Margaret Brown, Genevieve Hensley, Helen Creighton, Suzanne Burkett, and Patricia Schanke; great grandchildren, Eric and Zachary Brown; son-in-law, Bob Panarella.

A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH.

A celebration of life ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 705 W. State St., Fremont, OH with an hour of gathering at 10:00 a.m. before the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers or a tree planting memorial donations can be made to the Fremont Ross Hall of Fame or Heartland Hospice Foundation.