David "Dave" C. Burket Sr.

David C. Burket Sr., 93, of East Freedom, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home on the family farm. He was born on April 4, 1932, on the farm, son of the late Frank and Gladys (Walter) Burket.

He married Betty L. Roub on June 28, 1952, in Fredericksburg. She passed away February 20, 2025, after 72 years of marriage.

Surviving are sons Frank (Lorraine) and John (Kay) Burket, daughter in law Kathy Burket, eight grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren, two sisters Mary Elliot and Thelma Replogle (Gary).

He was preceded in death by son David C. Burket Jr., a sister Mabel Burket, and a brother George S. Burket.

Dave was a lifetime member of Grace United Church of Christ, Claysburg, where he served on the Consistory for many years. 

He was a 1950 graduate of Claysburg High School and spent his lifetime establishing and successfully operating Burket Falls Farm with his wife and family. 

Dave was inducted into the PA Holstein Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Claysburg Hall of Fame in 2020. He was honored as Parade Honoree at the Morrisons Cove Agricultural Parade in 2018. In 2015, he received the Blair County Chamber of Commerce ACE Award.

Burket Falls Farm was recognized by Holstein International as one of the top 25 influential breeders in the world for the development of the polled gene in Holstein cattle, and today most polled cattle in the world can be traced to Dave’s breeding. He was recognized as the Larry Moore Red and White Master Breeder in 1995 and inducted into the National Dairy Shrine in 2018 as a Pioneer Breeder in Registered Holsteins. 

Dave was a gracious host to thousands of visitors over the years to the farm from over 40 countries and six continents.

He was a enthusiastic Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirate fan and enjoyed being the leader and the camaraderie of the Burket Falls Hunting Camp for nearly 70 years. 

Dave often said he never worked a day in his life because farming was his passion and he was always optimistic about the future. His gentle demeanor and frequently sought advice shaped the lives of many. 

Friends will be received from 5-8 P.M. on Tuesday March 10, 2026, at the Leslie-Miller Funeral Home, Claysburg.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday March 11, 2026, at the Grace United Church of Christ, Claysburg with Pastors Wendy Farber and Mary Hendricks officiating. Interment at Claysburg Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to Grace United Church of Christ, 526 Bedford St. Claysburg PA 16625 

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