Jerry Patrick Burkitt's Obituary
Jerry Patrick Burkitt was born April 12, 1950 in Shattuck, OK to C.L. and Elnor Burkitt. He passed on to his eternal home on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the age of 75. Jerry grew up in Laverne, Oklahoma where he enjoyed playing baseball and football, fishing and hunting. He graduated from Laverne High School in 1968 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma in 1973.
Upon graduating, Jerry opened several of his own physical therapy practices over his almost 50 year career with the most recent and longest standing being Southwest Therapy. Over that time he cared for and treated many patients. Twenty-three years after graduating together from Laverne High School, he married his high school sweetheart, LaDonna Hester on October 26, 1991. They spent the following years raising their children Jason and Lindsey and enjoying their precious grandchildren, Jake, Mina and Bella.
The couple shared an immense love for their dogs, raising many together throughout the years. Jerry will be remembered for his wit and sense of humor, his love for sports cars and his care for his family and his dogs. It was impossible to be around him and not leave laughing or shaking your head at one of his funny comments or corny jokes. He was a constant source of entertainment and life will be a lot less humorous without his presence! He loved hearing the engine of a sports car roar and could often be found in his garage spending time admiring his Porsche and Corvette. His love for family was best shown through the time he spent with his grandkids. Whether it was watching OU games with Jake or spending quality time with Mina and Bella. They were one of the greatest joys of his life!
He is survived by his daughter Lindsey Briggs and husband Jason; grandchildren, Jake, Mina and Bella Arias; sister Kim Lotspeich, sister-in-laws Jacklyn Jones and Beverly Hester and friends Matt and Kristi Carter. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Jess Hester, Sherri Jo Gallagher, Dr. Jan Hester, Kim Lloyd, Kami Kilburn, Kerri Lyle, Kathi McLean, Jennifer Unruh, Lauren Miller and Parker Lotspeich as well as many great nieces and nephews.
He was reunited in heaven with his beautiful bride, LaDonna Burkitt; parents, C.L. and Elnor Burkitt; son Jason Joseph Tackwell; brother-in-law, Barry Lotspeich; brother-in-law, Verl Hester; sister-in-law, Vonda Rogers and nephew, Rob Sells. He is undoubtedly surrounded by each of his beloved dogs because “all dogs go to heaven.”
The family is eternally grateful for the extraordinary care that both Jerry and Ladonna received from their beloved friend, Kristi Carter. She and her husband Matt Carter were instrumental in providing comfort to Jerry, especially in his last months and were selflessly there to shepherd him into the arms of Jesus.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 3:00 pm, October 24, 2025, at Twin Hills Baptist Church, 20200 OK-16, Okmulgee with a reception following at 13822 S. 18th Place Bixby, OK.
Jerry’s love of dogs was reflected in his favorite quote by Kyra Sundance: “He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog: You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Jerry’s name to the Humane Society Tulsa. Donations can be made through the website https://tulsapets.com or can be sent to 9521 Riverside Parkway, Suite B, Tulsa, OK 74137-7422
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