CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – State Rep. Jeff Burkhart, longtime Clarksville government leader and businessman, has died at age 63. He passed while in his home Friday morning, according to family members.

Condolences over his death were posted to social media Friday morning, including from Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. “State Rep. Jeff Burkhart was a good friend who always showed up to help others. He loved representing Montgomery County and was fully dedicated to improving the lives of those he represented,” she said.

Burkhart, a Republican, had represented state House District 75 since 2023.

Praise of Burkhart from state leaders

“He served with dedication, humility, and a genuine love for the people of Montgomery County and the great state of Tennessee,” said a statement from the Tennessee House Republican Caucus. “Rep. Burkhart’s life of public service – from his years with the Clarksville Fire Department and his time on the Clarksville City Council to his work in the General Assembly – reflected his unwavering commitment to community, faith, and the values that bring Tennesseans together. His leadership on infrastructure improvements, education, public safety, and support for working families will leave a lasting impact on our state.”

| GET YOUR MORNING NEWS: Sign up for the free daily Clarksville Now email newsletter

Burkhart was appreciated across the aisle as well. “We’ve lost a beloved member of our legislative family,” Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons said. “Rep. Burkhart was an exemplary public servant and champion for the families of Montgomery County. He touched many lives with his service and will be dearly missed by all in our State Capitol.”

Burkhart rose from firefighter, councilman to state office

Jeffery Darrell Burkhart was a lifelong resident of Clarksville. He graduated from Northwest High School in 1980 and received an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Volunteer State Community College in 2014, according to Clarksville Now archives.

Shortly after he graduated high school, he started working for the Clarksville Gas and Water Department. In 1982, he transferred to the Fire Department and worked his way up through the ranks to the leadership role of assistant fire chief. In 1985, he began his career in the construction industry and has since grown a business developing commercial and residential subdivisions, as well as building commercial and residential properties.

Burkhart was elected to Ward 12 of the Clarksville City Council in 2008 and re-elected again in 2012 and 2016. In 2022, Burkhart was elected to the Tennessee House, District 75, and he was re-elected in 2024. He was a member of the Commerce Committee, Disaster Relief Committee of Extraordinary Session, State & Local Government Committee, Transportation Committee of 1st Extraordinary Session, Business & Utilities Subcommittee, Departments & Agencies Subcommittee and Public Service Subcommittee.

Condolences from state, local leaders

Condolences and remembrances were offered from Tennessee and Montgomery County leaders. Here are some excerpts:

State Sen. Bill Powers of Clarksville: “I am heartbroken over the passing of my friend and colleague Jeff Burkhart. We’ve been together for the last 11 years on both Clarksville City Council and the state legislature. His business acumen was unrivaled as was his legislative tact. Just a man of many talents and I will miss him deeply.”

State Rep. Ronnie Glynn of Clarksville: “This morning I was devastated to learn that my friend and colleague Rep. Jeff Burkhart passed away. … I was proud to serve alongside Rep. Burkhart and share a passion for serving the Clarksville community. He will be deeply missed by myself and our colleagues in the Tennessee State House.”

State Rep. Aron Maberry of Clarksville: “Representative Jeff Burkhart was more than a colleague in the Montgomery County delegation – he became a true friend, a steady confidant, and someone I grew to deeply respect in our time serving together. Over the past week, as he walked through the loss of his mother (Jane Burkhart), I had the honor of standing beside him. I never imagined we would now be mourning his passing as well. … His leadership, his kindness, and his unwavering dedication to the people he served will leave a lasting mark on all of us.”

Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden: “Jeff strengthened our county in countless ways. He was more than a leader; he was a friend, a neighbor, and someone who dedicated his life to making this community better. Jeff and I served as firefighters together at the same station when I was brand new to the job, and he was a mentor to me – one whose leadership and guidance I will forever be grateful for. … May we honor Jeff’s legacy by continuing to be humble servants to others and the community that he cared so deeply about.”

Burkhart was a member of Hilldale Church of Christ. He is survived by Cindy Greene and his daughter Meredith Grace Burkhart.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

This article will be updated.

| DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Clarksville Now app