Obituary of Burton Lenhart

Burton "Burt" Lenhart passed away on December 6, 2011, ready for his 36th mission in heaven. Burt was born in Pendleton, NY, to his late parents Henry and Dora Goodman Lenhart. Except for his time in the Air Force, he spent his entire life in Pendleton on land that had been in his family for four generations. Burt is predeceased by his devoted wife Carol who was alive in his heart and mind until his end. He is survived by his children Kathy (Matt) Murnane, Elaine (Kevin) Tucker, Wayne (Cindy) Lenhart, Gary (Carrie) Lenhart. He also is survived by his grandchildren Erika, Briana and Kelley Lenhart. He will be missed too by his niece Stephanie and nephew Brian Lenhart. Burt was predeceased by his brother Earl, his nephew Ron, and his beloved son Billy, who died much too young. Burt served in the Mighty 8th Air Force during World War II, serving as a radioman on 35 bombing flights over Germany. He was very proud to have received the Silver Star for his actions and a number of other medals. He remained active in the alumni association of the Mighty 8th Air Force and attended a number of conventions. He was a member of the VFW. Burt owned Lenhart's TV and Appliances for over 40 years, which he opened after going to school on the GI Bill. Burt was a founding member of the Lockport Sunrise Optimist Club and served as its President. He was very proud of the work that the Optimists do for youth and was involved for a number of years with the Soap Box Derby that was sponsored by the Club. Burt was a member of the Masons for over 50 years where he achieved the rank of 32nd degree Mason and served in a number of positions including Master of the Lodge. He also was a long time member of the Shiners, and served the local temple as President. Burt also was a member of the Wendleville Fire Company for over 50 years. He also served many years as committeeman and member of the Pendleton Republican club. He was Tax Collector for the Town of Pendleton for 6 years, a position that his father, and then his mother had held for over 50 years. Burt was loved and admired by a world of people. He never met a stranger. Friends may call Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, Inc., 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, where a celebration of life will take place on Saturday at 10am. Interment will be in Bear Ridge Cemetery, Pendleton. Masonic Lodge #375, will have a memorial service Friday evening at 7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the Niagara County Hospice or the Lockport Sunrise Optimist Youth Fund. <h3>Visitation</h3> Friends may call Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM <h3>Services</h3> A celebration of life will take place on Saturday at 10 am at the funeral home. <h3>Interment</h3> Interment will be in Bear Ridge Cemetery, Pendleton.