Paul Burkhart, 81, of Hillsdale, Michigan passed away Saturday afternoon at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan.  He was born on January 2, 1937 in Continental, Ohio to Virgil S. and Bertha E. (Geren) Burkhart.  Paul graduated from Pioneer High School in 1955, where he enjoyed playing baseball. Paul was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montpelier.  He was a lifetime farmer in Hillsdale County.  From 1957-1977 he worked on the Norfolk and Western Railroad in Montpelier, starting out as a fireman, then a brakeman and retiring as an engineer.  Paul enjoyed cards, playing poker, travelling, camping with family and was an avid fisherman.  He enjoyed sunsets and being outdoors on his porch.  Paul was a member of the Montpelier Moose and the Montpelier Eagles. He is survived by his loving companion Brenda J. Britenriker of Hillsdale; children John (Betty) Burkart of Camden, Joe (Cathy) Burkhart of Hillsdale, Cindy (Roger) Pitts of Camden, Cathy (Jim) Sellars of Wyandot, Michigan, Connie (Kelvin) Vincent of Camden and Sherry (Mike Crumley) Kerr of Geneva Alabama; grandchildren, Janelle (Corey) Pritchett, Kevin Burkhart, Jessica (Josh) Butler, Jared (Katey) Burkhart, Joel (Jasmine) Burkhart, Josh Burkhart, Kyle (Amanda) Pitts, Abby (Josh) Alley, Shannon (Joey) Dubowsky, Paul (Lyndsey) Vincent and Casey (Emily) Vincent; great grandchildren, Blake Burkhart, Karmin & Kora Butler, Jade, Jaycie Jordyn & Jaxon Burkhart, Ellie, Robbie & Maggie Burkhart, Kade & Makenna Alley, Kolt Pitts and Paityn & Parker Vincent; sister Linda (Roger) Burris of Bryan; brother Tom (Carolyn) Burkhart of Montpelier; and sister-in-law Loretta Burkhart of Pioneer. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Don and David Burkhart. Visitation for Paul will be on Wednesday, January 10th from 2-7pm at the Thompson-Geesey Funeral Home on Empire Street in Montpelier.  Mass will be on Thursday at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father David Tscherne to officiate.  Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier.  Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.