Bill Burkhead

Bill Lee Burkhead, the son of Lowell Eugene and Evelyn Elizabeth (Gorr) Burkhead, was born in Winterset, IA on December 24, 1939. Bill was raised on the farm in Union County and attended Lorimor schools. He graduated from Lorimor High School with the Class of 1959. Bill worked a short time for Acme Cleaners in Des Moines and also in Lorimor at the Standard Service Station. He met Joyce Cousins while she was working as a waitress in Des Moines. The couple was united in marriage on July 19, 1959 at the Grant Park Christian Church in Des Moines, IA. Two children: Randall and Wendy, were born to bless this union.
Bill farmed most of his life, raising livestock and row crop. He also worked in other aspects of the Ag business. He worked 6 years for Eginore Feed, Osceola Agri Services 14 years and 11 years for Peck’s Feed in St. Charles, IA. While active on the farm, Bill was also active in the Lions Club and Masonic Lodge in Lorimor. He was also a former member of the United States Rodeo Association. He thought of himself as a cowboy and loved Team Roping. Bill and Joyce retired from the farm and moved to Creston in 2010 and was a member of the First Christian Church of Creston.
Preceding Bill in death was his parents; a brother and 2 sisters.
Left to cherish Bill’s memory is his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce Burkhead of Creston; his son, Randall Burkhead of Lorimor and his daughter, Wendy Burkhead of Afton, IA; 4 grandchildren: Jesse Rynearson, Gentry Cox, Benjamin Burkhead and Jamie Burkhead-Thomson; 6 great-grandchildren: Brayden Rynearson, Morgan Rynearson, Caelan Bence, Lauren Bence, Emmett Burkhead and Griffin Rynearson; his sisters: Marcia (husband Dale) Dunston of Stanwood, IA and Sherry Carter of North Liberty, IA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.