John M. Burkey, accident-free trucker

John M. Burkey, 40, formerly of Pittsford, N.Y., passed away following a courageous nine-month battle with cancer, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. He was born Feb. 15, 1974, in Millersburg, Ohio, and was son of James T. and Jane F. (Martin) Burkey, formerly of Pittsford, who currently reside in Lewes.

John attended Pittsford Sutherland High School. Following school John operated a forklift, before completing training as a commercial truck driver, which was a profession he loved. John worked 12 years for TransAm Trucking in Olathe, Kan., where he received a One Million Mile jacket for accident-free driving. John took a year off to start a NO MORE FRICTION motor oil product business in Erie, Pa. John moved to Armour, S.D. two years ago, where he worked for Stan's Trucking in Alpena, S.D. John regularly picked up loads near Lewes, enabling visits, which delighted his parents.

Growing up John was a good bowler and skier and enjoyed roller coasters, snowmobiles, jet skis, motor bikes and practicing magic tricks. Later, John loved to play golf, fish and gun and bow shoot. He was an avid Glen Beck fan, a Constitutionalist and proud member of the NRA. John's favorite pastimes while driving were listening to CDs and phone conversations with family and friends, some of whom he never met. John was a loving and generous, son, brother and uncle. John was a dearly loved man and will be missed by all who knew him. John was close to Jesus, his Lord and Savior.

In addition to his parents, John is survived by his brother, Jeff Burkey and his wife Alyvia of Pittsford; his niece Cece; and his nephew Chase.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will be held at a later date in Pittsford. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Nazarene Well House, 47 13 1/2 St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901, where John stayed while being treated at the Mayo Clinic.

Please visit Mr. Burkey's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.