TOWANDA

BURCHARD, JOHN HAROLD "HANK" , Army Veteran and Retired Derby Refinery Employee, passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born In Augusta, Kansas on November 27, 1932 to John and Alice "Lee" Burchard. Hank was a jack of all trades; he did stained glass work making the front door for his home, glass etched picture frames that he would give as presents, TV repair, amateur beekeeping and even genealogy, tracing the family ancestry all the way back to Lewis & Clark. His specialty however was woodworking and carving. Hank made many projects around the house for his wife Ruth including a gazebo, flower boxes and an entertainment center. He found his passion in creating miniatures including miniature stagecoachs and even a stable in Whitewater that the new owner used to renovate the original building. Hank was a vibrant community member, supporter and leader and was one of the spearheads to make the Towanda Historical Museum come together; finding and making many of the items to go into the museum. He was a Lions Club Member, cemetery caretaker for many years; including building the archways that still stand there today.

H ank is survived by his daughters Brenda Bongard and Judy Switzer; grandchildren Troy, Tracy, Lloyed, Derick, Hank Toney, Vanessa, great grandchildren Trenton, Davin, Tucker, Trevor, Little Lee; great-great grandson Hannibal and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Alice; wife Ruth; brother Linton Mizer and 3 sisters.

V isitation will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Towanda United Methodist Church, 103 4th St, Towanda, KS 67144 . Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., also at Towanda United Methodist Church with Pastor John Martyn, Jr. presiding and interment will follow in Towanda Cemetery with Military Honors.

M emorial donations are suggested in Hank's honor to Towanda Area Historical Museum, 401 Main St, Towanda, KS 67144 or the Towanda Lion's Club, 317 Main Towanda, KS 67144.