BURKLAND, Joseph Richard, of Wheeling, WV, died in his 27th year.
He is survived by his father, Dr. C. David Burkland, II; his mother Leslie Hollandsworth Burkland; his sister, Jessica Border and her husband Rich; his brothers, Carl D. Burkland, III, and his wife, Jody, of Wheeling; William Burkland, of Wheeling; Rex Burkland of Morgantown, and his many Uncles, Aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
"Joey" was a very talented athlete and played basketball and soccer for Wheeling Park High School from which he graduated in 2003. In his Senior year he was named the OVAC Athlete of the Year. He went on to play soccer, on scholarship, for West Virginia Wesleyan College, from which he graduated in 2008.
Joey's life after college was tragically plagued by mental health disease that struck in his 23rd year. This disease ultimately contributed to his death during the third week of June in his 27th year. Joey was an amazing person who, in addition to his very large extended family, was loved by many others and he will be sorely missed.
There will be no funeral service or viewings, however, to give all those who knew and loved Joey the opportunity to celebrate Joey's life, a "Celebration" is being held on Saturday, June 30th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Wheeling Elks Lodge No. 28, 4706 Jacob Street. If you take the Benwood Exit off of Route 2, go north about 2 blocks past A&B Kia, it is on the right, across from Pulaski Playground.
In memory of Joey, should you desire, donations can be made to either www.coryskidz.com or www.bringchangetomind.org in Joey's name.
Personal condolences may be expressed on Facebook on the event "Celebration of Joey Burkland's Life."
