Virley Ray Burkhalter

Virley Ray Burkhalter, 84, longtime La Junta resident, passed away at the Crowley County Nursing Care Center in Ordway on December 12, 2020. He was born on May 3, 1936, to Velma (Strickland) and Eddie Bee Burkhalter in Tipton, OK. He attended school in Tipton, graduating in 1955. There, he met the love of his life, Jean and they married on March 10, 1956.

After living in OK and TX, working for REA Energy Cooperative and Phillips Petroleum, they moved to La Junta in 1964 and opened Burk’s Drive Inn. They owned and operated Burk’s until 1976. Virley then held several jobs before becoming Bent County Administrator, retiring in 2001. In retirement, Virley and Jean enjoyed traveling. Virley also loved working with his scroll saw.

He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in La Junta, where he was a deacon. He was also a lay preacher, serving several churches in Southern Colorado.

He is survived by his daughter, Beverly (Andy) Amparan of Lenexa, KS and son, Terry (Lori) of La Junta; grandchildren, Rebekah (Steven) Bloomer, Jennifer (Jason) Simpson, Kaley (Michael Andrews) Burkhalter, Tommy (Maricela) Amparan and Karisa (Jeff) Seamans; great-grandchildren, Jaylen, Alexis and Ashlyn Simpson, Ryan and Ella Bloomer, Noah Seamans and Bryson Andrews; his twin sister, Shirley Six, brothers, Bo and Eddie Bob; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jean; his parents and brother, Alvie Gene.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Brandon Mills of the First Southern Baptist Church officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.