Alton L. Burket, 85, formerly of Tyrone, died Wednesday November 29, 2017 at Ligonier Gardens Personal Care and Retirement Community. He was born October 1, 1932 in Bellwood, PA the son of Walter G. and Ethel Packer Burket. On June 13, 1954 at the First Presbyterian Church in Tyrone, Al married his high school sweetheart, Isabell H. Laird, who preceded him in death on August 4, 2001. He is survived by a daughter, Laura Barron (John) and a son, Adam Burket (Annie). Also surviving are 5 grandchildren: Rebecca and Colin Barron, Luke Burket, Katie Kozielec and Patrick Barron; 2 siblings: Eleanor Clark and Chalmer Burket. Al was preceded by a son: Jeffrey L; 2 brothers: Ray and Wallace A. Burket and 3 sisters: Sarah McEwen, Verna Langenbacher and Vera Schopp.
Alton was a 1950 graduate of Tyrone High School. He served in the US ARMY Active Duty from 1953-1955. Alton received the rank of Corporal.
After his enlistment ended he and Isabell moved to Bermuda where Al worked for IBM until his return to the States in 1960. At that time he joined Prudential Insurance Company as an agent. Three years later he transferred to the Dubois District office as a sales manager and in 1970 he was promoted to manager of the Hagerstown, MD district office. In 1976 Al transferred to the Lancaster, PA office to work as the District Manager until his retirement in 1991.
Al was a founding member of Wayside Presbyterian Church, joining on its day of organization on June 2, 1985. Al was very active in worship, fellowship and many committees of the church. He truly loved those he worked and served with over the years.
Recently Al moved to the Johnstown area to be closer to his daughter but always considered Lancaster his “home”.
Family viewing will be held at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc on Friday December 8 at 11:00 AM followed by interment at Burket Cemetery in Warriors Mark. A memorial service for Alton L. Burket will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the Wayside Presbyterian Church, 600 Stony Battery Road, Landisville, PA 17538.
Contributions in Al’s memory may be made to Shiners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Arrangements are under the care of the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc.