John Kenneth Berkheimer

John K. Berkheimer, 80, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away on February 3, 2025, at his home. Born on July 30, 1944, in York, Pennsylvania, John was the son of Walter Herman Berkheimer and Gwendolyn Muriel (Murphy). His life was marked by service to family and country. He called Lyons, Kansas, home from 2009 until his passing. He studied at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York, where he honed his mastery of piano performance and theory. Later, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Penn State University before advancing to Antioch College in Ohio, where he earned a Master's Degree in Civil and Mechanical Engineering. As a licensed Professional Engineer, John worked internationally, including in Germany and at the Pentagon. A proud retired Major in the United States Air Force, John served with distinction during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a combat zone. John was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, and his faith was the guiding force throughout his life. He served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and in his local community. His talents as an accomplished pianist and organist brought joy to countless individuals and organizations. John had the honor of performing at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the dedication of the Washington D.C. Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and in various locations across Europe. John’s family was his greatest joy. He was married to Barbara Ann James until her passing on October 28, 2007. Together, they raised six children and were blessed with 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Barbara, his daughter Dawn Berkheimer, and granddaughter Elizabeth Gauthier. John is survived by his five children: Vicky Berkheimer Dittfield and husband Dennis of Little Elm, Texas; Hope Berkheimer Gauthier and husband John of Fort Worth, Texas; Dr. Bruce Berkheimer and wife Laurie of Searcy, Arkansas; Ian Berkheimer and wife Karen of Beebe, Arkansas; and Philip Berkheimer and wife Leah of Springfield, Missouri. In 2008, John married Mary Jo Vasconcells/Sherwood of Lyons, Kansas, where she continues to reside. He embraced her family and cherished her children, Lisa Marie Russell and husband Scott, April Joy Williams, Amy D. Bryant, Adam Michael Sherwood, Benjamin Wayne Sherwood, and John Franklin Sherwood; and eleven grandchildren. Together, John and Mary Jo dedicated their time to volunteering for Meals on Wheels, assisting with musical endeavors at Lyons High School, and serving in their church congregation in Great Bend, Kansas. Their marriage brought joy and fulfillment to both their lives. John’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service. He was a devoted father, husband, and grandfather who cherished the role of family and sacrificed selflessly for those he loved. His quirky and intelligent sense of humor brightened many lives. His music was a source of comfort and inspiration, enriching his home and uplifting his family. His children fondly recall the harmony of their parents singing together on long family trips. A lover of his country, model trains, small fast cars, road rallies, stargazing, sailing, and learning from sacred scripture, John also had a passion for speaking German and, of course, music. But above all, he loved his family and his Savior, Jesus Christ. John will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and the many lives he touched throughout the years. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy, 2602 West Beebe Capps Expressway, Searcy. Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 805 Skyline Drive, Searcy, at 2:00pm, Saturday, February 8, 2025, with a visitation from 1:00 until service time. Interment will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 1:00pm, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Searcy or Bebee Arkansas High School music department in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons or Powell Funeral Home, Searcy.

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