John M. Birkhimer

BIRKHIMER, John M. age 79 of Urbana, Ohio passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on February 11, 1943 in Piketon, Ohio. He was the son of John and Esther Birkhimer, both of whom passed away in 1990. John is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Sharla and Donald Keebaugh of Vandalia, Ohio; two nieces, Kristen Keebaugh-Chambers and Ashley Keebaugh Burrs; six great nieces: Ava, Scarlett, & Harper Chambers and Sydney, Elyse & Brenna Burrs. He also leaves behind his lifelong friends Bill and Gretchen Huffman. John graduated from Urbana High School in 1961 and received his Bachelor's degree in accounting from Wittenberg University in 1976. He served his country for over thirty years in the United States Army Reserve and retired with the rank of Captain. John was a talented designer for Tech Development and GE Aviation. Always true to his roots, John loved supporting his Urbana Hillclimbers whether it be serving on the Board of Education, a 50 year member of the Urbana High School Booster Club or being the football and basketball statistician for nearly fifty years. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and being a proud member of the Blue Knights. John was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of the Harmony Lodge #8, Urbana Chapter 34, Urbana Council 59 and Raper 19 Commandry. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at Walter & Lewis Funeral Home with his funeral service starting at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Jerry Carter officiating. John will be laid to rest at Oakdale Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to Ohio's Hospice, 1830 N Limestone St Springfield, OH 45503 or CACC, PO Box 38125, Urbana, OH 43078, in John's honor. Condolences are forwarded to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com