Merinda Evonne Burkhalter

Merinda Evonne Burkhalter, 70, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Services were held privately. Cremation is under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

Merinda was born March 16, 1956, in Ada, Oklahoma to Jack Samson Youngblood and Lorna Mae McGowan Youngblood. She married Paul Wayne Burkhalter on June 3, 1973, in Borger. Merinda was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. She was an extremely active lady; she taught line dancing and water aerobics at Frank Phillips College.  Never one to be afraid of physical activity she also tried her skills at golf, soccer and softball. She even enjoyed waterskiing, snow skiing, bowling and playing tennis. Merinda enjoyed traveling, scuba diving, dancing, gardening, reading and working on the computer. Nothing brought more joy to her life than her family, especially her grandbabies. She served her community through her gift of cosmetology at Special Effect Salon for over 28 years.

She is preceded in death by her father, Jack Samson Youngblood; mother, Lorna Mae Tate and husband Franklin D. Tate; sisters, Ramona Carroll, Paula Bell; father-in-law, Douglas Barnes Burkhalter; mother-in-law, Blanche Gipson; and sister-in-law, Carol Back.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Burkhalter of Borger; son, Paul Burkhalter, Jr. and wife Angie of San Antonio; daughter, Katy Adame and husband Hector of Houston; grandchildren, Addison, Tyler, Abby; brothers, Jack Youngblood and wife Shirley of Elk City, John Tate of Borger; brother-in-law, Phil Burkhalter and wife Debbie of Borger; sister-in-law, Sandra Hilton and husband Larry of Borger; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family.