Dewey Leon Burkhart, of Jonesboro, AR, passed away peacefully at Saint Bernard’s Medical Center, Jonesboro, AR, with his loving family by his side. Born in Stewart County, TN, Leon was the son of the late Dewey and Naomi Grizzard Burkhart. He was a highly skilled tool and die maker at Metal Forge, formerly Thun, Inc., in Clarksville, TN, and retired from Arkansas Glass Container Corporation in Jonesboro, AR. He loved hunting, fishing, landscaping, and spending time with family. He was a member of Central Baptist Church.

An avid sports enthusiast, he served as commissioner for the Stewart County Athletic Association and coached basketball and baseball for many years. He was a lifelong Tennessee Volunteers fan.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, James H. Burkhart; and his sisters, Nancy Carolyn Threatt, Janie Travis, Florence May Shepherd, Betty Turner, and Ora Lee McGovern.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 20 years, Deborah Jean Pope Burkhart, his sister Wanda (Joe) Coleman of Indian Mound, TN; his brother Donnie (Jane) Burkhart of Dover, TN, his daughters Shirelle Burkhart Fine (Billy Elkins) of Dover, TN, and Andrea Andrews of Jonesboro, AR; his sons Jeremy (Shelia) Burkhart of Buchanan, TN, William “Billy” (Kandace) Burkhart of Clarksville, TN, and Jonathan DeRoeck of Lonoke, AR; his grandchildren Jessica Jackson, Haley (Jimmy) Camper, Shawn Burkhart, Logan Burkhart, Noah Andrews, Sophia Andrews, Autumn Elkins, Ryker Fine, Owen Burkhart, and Mia Burkhart; his great-grandsons Bayler Burkhart and Lucas Camper (arriving in January 2027), along with many other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 AM at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro, AR. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM with Bro. Jay Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at McDaniel Cemetery, Jonesboro, AR. Those serving as pallbearers are Noah Andrews, Logan Burkhart, Joseph Martinkus, and Daniel Turner. Honorary pallbearers are Donnie Burkhart and Glynn Pope.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central Baptist Church – Central Missions, in honor of Leon's commitment to faith, family, and serving others.

Arrangements are entrusted to Emerson Funeral Home, Jonesboro, AR, and online condolences may be made at https://www.emersonfuneralhome.com.