David A. "Shorty" Burkhart, 63, of Montpelier passed away early Sunday morning at Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.  He was born on September 28, 1952 in Montpelier to Virgil S. and Bertha E. (Geren) Burkhart.  David graduated from North Central High School in 1970.  David served his country in the Army Reserves from January 1971 – October 1978.   On February 10, 1994 he married Loretta Gearig and she survives. David retired on October 31, 2014 after 17 years with Chambers Leasing Company in Toledo as a regional truck driver.  He had driven truck for 43 years and was a member of the 5 million mile club.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #109 in Montpelier. He is survived by his wife Loretta; seven children, Mark Burkhart of Lima, Ohio, Jennifer Lambert of Holgate, Ohio, Michael (DeeAnna) Burkhart of Bryan, Michelle Burkhart of Pioneer, Michael Rediger of Holland, Ohio, Ben (Goldie) Rediger of West Unity, and Davinna (Russell) Nickloy of Pioneer; 21 grandchildren and 1 great grandson; two brothers, Paul (Brenda) Burkhart of Hillsdale, Michigan and Thomas (Carolyn) Burkhart of Montpelier; one sister Linda (Roger) Burris of Bryan and his loving companion dog Jasper. David was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Dawn Burkhart and one brother Donald S. Burkhart, Sr. Visitation for David will be on Wednesday, October 14th from 1-4pm and 6-8pm at the Thompson-Geesey Funeral Home at 335 Empire Street in Montpelier.  A scripture service will be held Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm at the funeral home.  Mass will be on Thursday at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montpelier with Father Jim Halleron to officiate.  Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier with Military Graveside Rites provided by the Montpelier Veterans.  Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.