Rev. Howard R. Burnham               

“beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and Pastor”

The Rev. Howard R. Burnham, 81, of Hebron Center, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 30, 2022, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, following a period of illness.

Born on Tuesday, June 3, 1941 in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of John and Rebecca Scutt Burnham.  On July 13, 1967 in Eddyville, N.Y., he married Alice E. Waite, who predeceased him on October 9, 2020. 

Rev. Burnham was a graduate of Cattaraugus Central School in Cattaraugus, N.Y.  He then attended Bethany Fellowship Missionary Training Institute in Minnesota.  In the early 1960’s Rev. Burnham was ordained as a minister in Eddyville, N.Y.  He began his pastorate at a church on Bear Hollow in Great Valley, N.Y.  He then came to serve at Hebron Union Church in Hebron Center where he was the pastor for 40 years.  He was instrumental in the formation of the Hebron Center Christian School where he served as principal for many years. During that time he was also the shop teacher and had also taught shop at Potter County Christian School in Roulette.  His wife, Alice, served faithfully by his side.

Rev. Burnham loved woodworking, walking, mowing his lawn, gardening, and hunting with his sons-in-law.   His greatest love was serving the Lord, his parishioners, and people far and wide who were in need of his help in any way.  He rejoiced in spending time with his loving family.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Karin E. (Bradley) Karr of Coudersport, Konnie R. Minard of Olean, N.Y., and Karla A. (Timothy) Karr of Coudersport; six grandchildren, Kristine (Nash) Wetherby, Nicole Karr, Alexa (Nicklas) Corwin, Brock (Natasha Leslie) Minard, Ashley (Nate) Buchholz, and Amanda (Arthur) Dickerson; four great-granchildren, Chevy Buchholz, Titan Buchholz, Bison Buchholz, and Elwood Dickerson; two sisters, Shirley Brown of Ohio and Betty (Robert) Learn of Little Valley, N.Y..; three brothers, Merton (Debbie) Burnham of Florida, Robert (Rae) Burnham of Shinglehouse, and Tim (Michelle) Burnham of Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews.

Rev. Burnham was predeceased by his parents and his wife.

Family and friends may call from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, November 2,2022, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse and from 10am to 12 noon on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Hebron Union Church, 1149 SR 44 North, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at noon with Pastor Hank St. Amour and Mr. Rob Leete, officiating.  Burial will be in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Hebron Union Church, 1149 SR 44 North, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 651, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Rev. Burnham’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Rev. Burnham, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.comm or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.