Stephen F. Burkhart 79 of Abilene passed away Wednesday August 12 2009. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at North's Memorial Chapel 242 Orange Street with Jack Stovall officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors at Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of North's Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. Mr. Burkhart was born April 30 1930 in Montgomery County Pennsylvania to Walter and Betty Burkhart. He married Mary McNamara January 2 1954 in Williamsport Pennsylvania. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after twenty-six years and opened Burkhart Electronics and Burkhart Frame and Art. He was an avid fisherman and was a member of Arrow Ford Bass Club Seniors Bass Club and was an honorary member of Callahan County Bass Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son Stephen J. Burkhart; a granddaughter Leigh Anne Thomas; two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife Mary Burkhart; two sons Michael A. Burkhart and Robert D. Burkhart; two daughters Karen Thomas and her husband Bob and Lisa Burkhart; one grandson Kevin Thomas; one brother Clifford Burkhart; and several nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be sent to www.northsfuneralhome.com