Ricky Lynn Burkhart

Ricky Lynn Burkhart, 68, of LaGrange, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born June 18, 1958, in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of Wayne L. and Darlos Wear Burkhart. He attended Clark County R-1 High School and later went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad.

On August 6, 1976, he was united in marriage to Nancy Yates.

As a boy, Rick and his siblings were always finding ways to keep themselves entertained, from riding motorcycles to burning down the barn. They were active in 4-H and won Grand Champion four years in a row with their barrows.

Rick was well known and respected throughout the railroad industry. He was dedicated to his work and took great pride in what he did. His career took him and his friends all over the country, where he worked on projects ranging from building subway tracks under Lexington Avenue in New York City and rebuilding after 9/11, to building automated people movers at airports in Miami and Dulles. He was always proud to point out his work. Many times, while driving across a track, he would turn and say, “Wasn’t that smooth? I built that!”

Through his work, Rick met many people and made lifelong friends, friendships he carried with him throughout the years. His career gave him the opportunity to see much of the country and share those experiences with people he cared about. But of all the things he accomplished, his family was what made him most proud.

Although Rick spent much of his time working to provide for his family, the time he spent with them was important to him. He loved watching cartoons and playing Monopoly with his kids, and some of his favorite memories were made on family camping trips. He especially enjoyed passing his knowledge and love of the outdoors on to his grandchildren.

Rick loved the outdoors, no matter where he was. He enjoyed camping, fishing and exploring, and he had plenty of stories to go along with those adventures. He loved telling stories and never met a stranger. He could talk about camping and fishing trips in Alaska, the mischief he got into as a child, or make up a ghost story on the spot if there was a campfire involved.

Rick is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Ricky Burkhart of LaGrange, Missouri, Angie (Julian) Paluch of Clarence, Missouri, and Michelle (T.J.) McChristy of Hannibal, Missouri; his grandchildren, Nicholas Paluch, Kaytie Paluch, Lillian Paluch, Ethan McChristy and Sydney McChristy. He is also survived by a brother, Mike (Mary Ann) Burkhart of Kahoka; a sister, Cynthia Burkhart of Kahoka; sisters-in-law, Bobbi (Matthew) Hilgerbrinck of Luray and Billie (Rick) Morrow of Kahoka; brother-in-law, Chris (Teri) Yates of Kahoka; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kristofer Mikel Burkhart; his sister, Tina Karasiewicz; his mother- and father-in-law, Bill and Melba Yates; sister-in-law, Teresa Wilson; and brother-in-law, Mark Yates.

A private graveside service will be held Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Combs Cemetery in Luray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nancy Burkhart and mailed to Vigen Memorial Home, 278 W. Main Street, Kahoka, Missouri 63445.

Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka is assisting the family with arrangements.