Life-long handicap doesn't slow Everett Burkhead
What would it be like to never have seen colors or people's faces, or a movie, or never to have been able to read anything? The list could go on and on.
Everett Burkhead knows. He was born blind. Friends and acquaintances say he made up for it with his other senses, including a keen ear. They say he knew who was approaching by the sound of footsteps, or, if a coin was dropped on a table, he could distinguish between a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter. They also say he used his sense of smell to determine his location when moving about.
At age 86, the proud man has been a resident of Marion Manor for 12 years. Although his hearing isn't as good as it used to be, he continues to participate regularly in group activities.
"This is the best place I have ever lived," he said. "Everyone is good to me."
Someone takes him for a walk every day, but he spends most of his time in a wheel chair.
"I bet I have more tapes than anyone else in this building," he noted. He estimated he has 700 to 800 cassette tapes, including complete readings of the Bible.
Ann Carr, social services coordinator at Marion Manor, said Everett was a very kind man who liked to spend much time talking to her. Until a year ago, she said, his mental alertness and independence were astounding given his handicap.
Everett is a long-standing member of the Lions Club. Even though he can't see them, he was quick to point out four frames on a wall in his room filled with hundreds of Lions Club pins. Next to them is a large plaque, the Melvin Jones Fellow award he received from Lions Club International, which was a high honor.
Although "George" is Everett's first name, he commonly is known as "Everett." He was born at Peabody on Nov. 13, 1915, to George and Vera Burkhead. His father worked on the railroad.
He was the oldest child and was followed by one sister, Ida, and two brothers, Leo and Kenneth. Kenneth is the only sibling remaining and lives in San Diego, Calif.
When Everett became school age, he was sent to Kansas City to attend a school for the blind. After grade school, he earned his high school diploma through volunteer work. He said he lost his diploma during a flood in Marion.
He held several jobs in Marion. For three or four years, he worked in a broom shop where he cut dyed broom corn into different lengths, wired them onto a broom stick, and added four or five rows of stitching with a needle. He said it was a dirty and smelly job.
He washed dishes in an eating establishment for a time and also ran a popcorn stand located behind Farmers and Drovers Bank.
Aside from being diabetic, Everett appears to be in good health. He said he has a good heart.
Despite his handicap, he seems to have a good attitude, which may be why he is experiencing a long life.
"The world doesn't owe me anything," he said.
