Calhoun County lost a good man Sept. 15 when Thomas A. “Tommy” Burkhart passed away after a brief illness. He lived in Anniston most of his life, growing up in the area known as Oxanna. He retired from Monsanto Chemical Co. after 30 years of service. He also served on the city of Anniston’s Water Works and Sewer Board for 23 years, 19 of those as chairman.

Burkhart loved being around people and had a special gift for communicating and leadership. He was an eagle scout. He loved history and often entertained friends and family with stories of memorable events in his life. He was fond of trains and had a vast collection of model trains and train memorabilia. Anyone who has visited Jacksonville’s train depot on the Chief Ladiga Trail has undoubtedly seen some of his collection, as he donated model trains to display as well as an antique trolley car bench.

He and his wife Lynne spent the last couple of years of his life in Jacksonville to be closer to family after moving from Anniston. He continued to enjoy traveling to Anniston two or three times a week to share coffee and stories with old friends and could always be seen at Parker Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday mornings for Sunday school, where his tan Tahoe with the phrase “WE LOVE OXANNA, AL” on the back window was a familiar sight.

Tommy, Dad, Mr. Burkhart, Paw-Paw — he was known by different names to different people, but his impact on the lives of those around him was all the same. You will be missed and forever loved.

Scott Key and family
Jacksonville