TN Lawmaker Found Dead at Montgomery County Home
Tennessee residents are mourning the sudden passing of State Rep. Jeff Burkhart, a well-respected Republican lawmaker and lifelong public servant who died overnight at his Montgomery County home. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Burkhart, 63, was found unresponsive early Friday morning after a call came in around 7 a.m.
Burkhart’s career embodied the spirit of service that defines so many Tennessee conservatives. Before entering state politics, he spent years protecting the people of Clarksville as a firefighter, ultimately rising to the rank of assistant fire chief. His leadership later took him to the Clarksville City Council in 2008, where he gained a reputation for steady, common-sense governance. In 2022, voters elected him to represent District 75 in the Tennessee General Assembly — a seat he held with dedication until his passing.
Lawmakers from across the state, including many of Burkhart’s closest Republican colleagues, expressed grief at the loss of a man they viewed as both a friend and a pillar of the community.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn honored him in a heartfelt post, writing that Burkhart would be “deeply missed.”
“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,” Blackburn wrote on X.
Tennessee Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) also reflected warmly on Burkhart’s character and impact, sharing memories from the campaign trail.
“Over the last several years, I’ve had the privilege of knocking on doors for members of my @tnhousegop. The doors I hit for Jeff Burkhart left a lasting impression on me. Montgomery County knew, loved, and appreciated their Rep. Jeff was loved! Door after door I would hear stories of how Jeff had helped their family. Fire fighters literally stopped to get signs from me. Jeff’s life mattered and the TN House of Representatives will greatly miss him!” Faison wrote.
The Tennessee Republican Party issued a statement heralding Burkhart’s selfless dedication to his community and the state.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
They added: “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.”
Burkhart’s passing drew bipartisan sympathy. House Democrats also issued condolences honoring his service, emphasizing the respect he earned across party lines.
“We’ve lost a beloved member of our legislative family,” said Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons. “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.”
House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) remembered Burkhart as “a high quality man” whose priorities always centered on faith and community.
“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,” Sexton wrote.
Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland) echoed the emotion felt throughout Tennessee’s Republican ranks.
“Today I lost a good friend and Tennessee lost a phenomenal public servant. Representative Jeff Burkhart passed away at home this morning and will be deeply missed by us all. Jeff was simply a solid guy who got along with everyone and served his community with distinction. Please pray for his family and the entire Montgomery County community,” Lamberth said.
Rep. Jeff Burkhart leaves behind a legacy defined by service, humility, and the deeply rooted Tennessee values he championed throughout his life. His absence will be felt profoundly across Montgomery County and the halls of the State Capitol.