Bruce Ross Burkhart, 65, of McAlester, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021.

Bruce was born on September 23, 1956 in McAlester, Oklahoma to Catherine Henson Turner and David Ross Grubbs.  He married Paula Cook on June 16, 2017 in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Bruce graduated from Savanna High School, where he cultivated a passion for agriculture and farming as a member of the FFA program and excelled in football and basketball.  He served as a volunteer firefighter in McAlester and later attended Tulsa Welding School, becoming a dedicated and skilled pipeline welder.  His longtime profession led him to many areas of the United States, including California, Wyoming and Texas, among others.  Throughout his life, Bruce loved gardening, cheering at Thunder basketball games and reminiscing about cherished memories shared with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Paula Burkhart of the home; son, Ross Henson Burkhart of Austin, TX; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Arthur Baldwin of Springdale, AR; niece and spouse, Stephanie Weast Jordan and Daniel of Cleveland, MS; nephew, Aaron Baldwin of Athens, GA; step-son and spouse, Buster and Melissa Cook of McAlester, OK; step-daughter and spouse, Kelli and Josh Thompson of Crowder, OK; grandsons, Austin Bailey, Braxton Thompson, Cody Cook and Case Thompson.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, father and grandparents.

Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Joe Wood, Gaylon Brannon, Paul Million III, Bruce Walker, Johnny Holley and Mark Glenn.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester.  Services will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Brumley-Mills Chapel in McAlester with Pastor Monty Thompson officiating.  Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester.