Roy “Joe” Burkhart

Roy “Joe” Burkhart, 81, of Midland, Texas, passed away on August 27, 2026.

Joe was born on March 20, 1945, in Artesia, New Mexico, to Roy and Dorothy Burkhart. He grew up in Artesia, New Mexico, and graduated from Artesia High School in 1963. After graduating from high school, Joe joined the United States Army Reserve. In May of 1964, he met the love of his life, Mary Jean Stafford. The two were married on November 28, 1964, beginning a life together built on faith, family, love, and devotion.

Joe began his career in the oilfield as a pumper and moved to Maljamar, New Mexico. About a year later, he was offered a pumping position with Pennzoil, where he would spend the next 35 years before the company was eventually acquired by Devon. By the end of his tenure with Pennzoil/Devon, Joe had worked his way up to production foreman; however, he preferred being a pumper and working out in the field. Joe later worked for a handful of other oil companies as a pumper before retiring from Concho Resources in Midland, Texas, in 2016.

During their years in Maljamar, Joe was also a dedicated member of the Maljamar Fire Department. He served his community as captain and later as fire chief, a position he proudly held for many years. His service to the department was another reflection of Joe’s willingness to step up, serve others, and care for the community he called home.

With more than 50 years spent in the oilfield, Joe was well known and respected throughout Southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. Over the years, he formed countless friendships with the people he worked alongside and encountered throughout the oil patch.

More important than his career, however, were Joe’s faith and his family. Joe was a faithful servant of God and lived his life with a deep and unwavering Christian faith. He served as a deacon at Maljamar Baptist Church and later at Greenwood Baptist Church. His faith was reflected in the way he lived, loved his family, and treated those around him.

Second only to God, Joe’s family was the most important thing in his life. He never hesitated to tell others how blessed he was and how proud he was of the family God had given him.

Some of Joe’s greatest joys were found in the simple things and in time spent with those he loved. He enjoyed hunting with his kids and grandkids, fishing, working in the yard, and sitting on the porch. Joe was also always up for a good John Wayne western. Whether outdoors, relaxing on the porch, or surrounded by family, he treasured time with the people he loved most.

Joe was a faithful friend to many. He was the kind of man who greeted you with a smile and a handshake and made you feel genuinely glad to see him. Through a lifetime of hard work, friendship, service, and faith, he touched countless lives.

Joe’s life was one of faithfulness—to his Lord, his wife, his family, his friends, and the work he spent more than half a century doing. His family takes comfort in knowing that the faith he carried throughout his life has now become sight.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Burkhart; his father, Roy Raymond Burkhart; his brother, Tommy Burkhart; his sister, Barbara Garner; his daughter, Shari Jenay Burnett; and his grandson, Timothy Joe Burkhart.

Joe is survived by his lovely wife of 61 years, Mary Jean Burkhart; son, Cary Joe Burkhart and his wife, Trinell Burkhart; daughter, Jenifer Jo Burkhart Godfrey and husband, Steve Godfrey;  son-in-law, Dale Ray Burnett; grandchildren, Jared Wayne Swenson, Jaden Lee Swenson, Daughton James Godfrey, Jena Marie Rogers, Jace Eric Godfrey, Cary Joe Burkhart, Jr., and Kailer Joe Godfrey; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Jamison, Mason Spurgeon, Sage Swenson, Arianne Spurgeon, Brees Swenson, Steven Godfrey, Baylor Swenson, Mia Swenson, Raleigh Godfrey, Brixten Swenson, Jaxtyn Godfrey, Sylvia Godfrey, and Eloise Rogers; as well as several nieces, great-nieces, and great-great-nieces.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Baptist Church, 10909 FM 307, Midland, Texas 79706.

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