CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — State Rep. Jeff Burkhart, a Republican born and raised in Montgomery County, died unexpectedly overnight. The Montgomery County Sheriff's office discovered him unresponsive early Friday morning.
A spokesperson for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says an autopsy will be performed. Rep. Burkhart was only 63 years old.
Rep. Jeff Burkhart was first elected to represent portions of Montgomery County in the legislature back in 2022. NewsChannel 5 interviewed the rookie representative on the day he was sworn in — January 10, 2023. "Don’t really know what to expect being a new member, so just anxious I think," Burkhart told us.
Prior to being elected to the statehouse, Burkhart served several years on the Clarksville City Council. He was also a business owner, developer, former Clarksville firefighter and a one-time Clarksville Mayoral candidate.
He's survived by his fiancee Cindy and his daughter Meredith. The loss comes at a difficult time for the Burkhart family. Jeff's mother was laid to rest just last week.
So far, funeral plans for Rep. Burkhart have not been finalized.
Clarksville delegation remembers a dear friend
Rep. Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville) says Burkhart was a mentor and friend to him when he was elected to the legislature in 2024. He told us that Burkhart loved every minute of representing his hometown in Nashville. "It was his heart, it was what he lived for. He loved being in the legislature to represent our great county," said Maberry. "Rep. Burkhart had such a heart for our community and he gave so much of himself — and he didn’t have to."
Maberry says Burkhart deserves a lot of credit for not only securing a new Tennessee Driver Services Center in Clarksville, but he also fought to keep the existing facility open as well.
Rep. Ronnie Glynn (D-Clarksville) didn't always agree with Burkhart politically, but the two quickly became friends. "Even the people on my side of the aisle, they know that any of them could go talk to Jeff. He would have a conversation with you," said Glynn.
Both were heartbroken when they got word of Burkhart's passing. "It just really hit my heart," said Maberry. "He’s going to be really missed."
"The first thing going through my head is wait a minute, I just saw him last night. We were just together last night," said Glynn.
Glynn formed such a bond with Burkhart, they even did a little business together. "Every year I do a fireworks tent and I lease land from Jeff. He didn’t hold personal, he didn’t, that didn’t bother him," said Glynn. "We were friends and he never looked at me as anything but a friend."
State Sen. Bill Powers (R-Clarksville) served with Burkhart for 11 years on the Clarksville City Council and in the legislature. "I am heartbroken over the passing of my friend and colleague Jeff Burkhart," Powers said in a statement. "His business acumen was unrivaled as was his legislative tact. Just a man of many talents and I will miss him deeply."
State leaders share their condolences
Condolences have come in Friday morning from both sides of the aisle:
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. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) November 14, 2025
The Tennessee House Republican Caucus is deeply saddened by the passing of our dear colleague, State Rep. Jeff Burkhart of District 75. He served with dedication, humility, and a genuine love for the people of Montgomery County and the great state of Tennessee.
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.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who loved and served alongside him. We offer our deepest condolences as they navigate this immeasurable loss.
The Tennessee House of Representatives is mourning the loss of their friend and colleague Jeff Burkhart. Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons said: “We’ve lost a beloved member of our legislative family. On behalf of the entire House Democratic Caucus, I extend our heartfelt, sincere condolences and prayers to Rep. Jeff Burkhart’s family, friends, and loved ones. 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.
Speaker Sexton added
We are deeply saddened on the sudden passing of Representative Jeff Burkhart. He was a high quality man that put community and service above self. He will be missed dearly here on earth, we take peace knowing he is being welcomed into God’s eternal home.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email us at Chris.Davis@NewsChannel5.com or Dalton.Hammonds@NewsChannel5.com.
In this job, we have the opportunity to meet truly remarkable people. The Sullivan family has faced incredibly tough times, but time and time again, turn their grieving into giving. What an honor to tell their story.
- Carrie Sharp
