Larry D Burkhead, 63, of Rapid City, made his journey into heaven Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at the Rapid City Regional Auxiliary Hospice House.

Larry grew up in Des Moines, IA, graduating from East High School in 1971. In July of 1972 he joined the United States Air Force, and was stationed first in Champaign, IL, and later stationed in Rapid City, SD, where he decided to stay because it was a good community to raise his children after being Honorably Discharged from The US Air Force in 1978. While in the Air Force he began college at SD School of Mines, and excelled at Math Studies. He stopped his schooling when he was offered a job with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1977. He later resumed his studies at Black Hills State after his children were at school age and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.

Larry joined the Metro Lions Club in 1980.  He has held all the offices of the Club and has been the secretary for the past four years.  He was the Secretary for the Lions District governor in 1998-'99.  During the 2010-'11 terms Larry was the District-5 South West Governor.  Larry is the planner, organizer and leader of the Lions Metro Wheelchair Ramp Crew, working alongside with other members of the Lions Club.

Larry joined Toastmasters in 1987 and held all club offices as well as Area Governor, Division Governor, and District Secretary/Treasurer. He was active in the Toastmaster up until he could no longer attend due to his health decline.

Larry worked with Love Inc. for many years. He served as a church coordinator for Canyon Lake United Methodist Church from the day Love Inc. opened, 15 years. He served on the board from 2003-2011, serving as board president for several years. He helped many elderly and disabled people through the Home Repair Team including the years when he was battling cancer, often going to people's homes and doing carpentry work and home repairs. He very much enjoyed that he was blessed with a skill of wood working and carpentry, and always enjoyed sharing that skill to help others.

Larry was very active in the Canyon Lake United Methodist Church. He enjoyed working as a handyman at the church (after retirement from the FAA in 2009), teaching Bible Study, volunteering to help with the audio and video, and for many years was the Chairperson for the Mission Committee. While chairman of the Mission committee he led the Many Hands Mission project.  This involved hundreds of people.  He organized the Mission Moments for the committees, food baskets, Love, Inc., UMCOR kits and backpacks.  He was in charge of the Mission Fair where local nonprofits made presentations.

Larry was involved with mission work in Haiti, going to the country to give people solar ovens and instructing them how to cook with the ovens, and possibly make a living using the solar ovens by selling what they cooked.

Recently, Larry was at Storm Mountain for a Haiti Solar Oven board meeting.  When he saw the list of needs at the camp, Larry decided he could round up enough men to go to the camp once a month and provide the services needed.  When a group of men organized to help build the lodges, Larry decided they could help with that also.  That is how the Mountain Men came into being.  When a big project comes up, these men are known to go to Storm Mountain multiple times a week.  Larry has helped put on siding, install new windows, tear out walls, build new walls, cut, sand, and stain boards, and build bunk beds. "With that extra help, "Storm Mountain director, Scott Jensen said, "We have accomplished many, many projects quicker than we would have without his help."

Aside from all of these generous acts, Larry somehow found the time to actively raise 4 children, including two sons; Korry (Janae) Burkhead – Dickinson, ND and Seth ( Ann) Hahn – Highland Park, NJ, and two daughters; Kristy Thorstenson (Cyle) – Rapid City, and Ashly Burkhead – Rapid City. He is also survived by two brothers, David (Beth) Burkhead and Greg Burkhead, both of Des Moines and his sister Cheryl Mongar, also of Des Moines.

Larry took great joy in making his three grandchildren happy. He felt a true Christian Love for his grandchildren, in that he gave happiness (including quite a bit of spoiling as a grandparent should do), and asked for nothing in return.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; Gerald and Alice, two brothers; Jerry and Mike, and brother in law, Donny Mongar.

Larry was a true humble servant to us, thus being a true humble servant to our Lord. He has touched and blessed so many lives over the past 63 years, and did it all with a humble heart. He worked hard, very hard throughout his whole life, and it has been much appreciated. We are truly blessed to call him our father.

James 2:18 …Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held at Osheim and Schmidt Funeral Home on Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 9:00am Friday, August 26 at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church with Pastor Eric Grinager officiating.

Inurnment with military honors will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Memorials have been established to Canyon Lake United Methodist Church or Storm Mountain Retreat Center.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.osheimschmidt.com.