Lee Chester Burkart of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on July 6, 2026, at the age of 80.
Lee was born on March 16, 1946, grew up in Hanceville, Alabama, and spent summers at the Bay in Orange Beach, Alabama. He graduated as valedictorian of Hanceville High School, where he played football and basketball. He continued his education at the University of Alabama, playing football and studying industrial engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in 1969 and a Master of Science in 1970. During his time in Tuscaloosa, he formed lifelong friendships with a group from Talladega, Brewton, and Grove Hill. Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Barbara Parks. Lee and Barbara married in 1968.
Lee joined the Army Reserve and served until 1974. After completing his education, he and Barbara moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he worked for Ethyl Corporation. A few years later, they relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where Lee began his long career with the United States Postal Service. In 1979, they settled in Birmingham, Alabama, which they called home for the remainder of his life. Lee spent most of his career as an industrial engineer with the Postal Service and also served as postmaster of Fairfield. He brought seriousness, care, and dedication to his work.
A lifelong Lutheran, Lee’s faith was central to his life, as were the institutions through which he practiced it. Beginning in 1979, he attended Our Savior Lutheran Church, where he served regularly in leadership positions on the church council.
Lee loved hunting with his friends in south Alabama and fishing with his family at the Bay. He also loved music, with Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, and Irma Thomas among his particular favorites. Although he never put his love of Alabama football ahead of his family or his faith, it did not trail far behind.
Lee loved to joke around. With children, he had a wonderfully silly sense of humor. He made up songs and teased them, but he also took them seriously, asking what they enjoyed doing and what was important to them. With adults, his humor was dry, and it was not always easy to tell whether he was joking. “I’m glad you got to see me,” he would say when it was time to leave.
Lee is survived by his wife, Barbara Parks Burkart; his son Carl Burkart, daughter-in-law Samantha McCart, and granddaughter Maggie; his daughter Katie Burkart and her partner, Alec Dunn; and his son John Burkart, daughter-in-law Heidi Beck Burkart, and granddaughter Miriam.
He is also survived by his brother Charles John Burkart; his sister Carolyn Burkart Stratton and her husband, Gary Stratton; his brother Edward Herbert Burkart and his wife, Margie Bock Burkart; his sisters-in-law Julia Snell Parks and Jan Parks Thomas, and Jan’s husband, Dan; his brother-in-law James “Jim” Parks and his wife, Cathie; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Lee Burkart; his father, Carl Theodore Burkart; and his brother-in-law, William Otis Parks.
Visitation will be held on August 8, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1074 Dunnavant Valley Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35242. A memorial service will follow at the church from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Lee Burkart’s memory are invited to make a memorial contribution to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
