Tennessee officials are mourning the loss of State Representative Jeff Burkhart (R-Clarksville) after the incumbent Republican passed away overnight at his home in Montgomery County.
Burkhart, 63, has represented state House District 75 since 2023. He most recently won re-election to the seat in November 2024.
A lifelong Montgomery County resident, Burkhart graduated from Northwest High School and received an associate’s degree in fire science from Volunteer State Community College in 2014.
Before becoming a member of the Clarksville City Council in 2008, Burkhart served as a Clarksville firefighter and rose to the rank of assistant fire chief.
Burkhart has also served as a member of the Clarksville Home Owners Association, president of the Tennessee State Home Builders Association, and served on the boards of the Clarksville Department of Electricity, Montgomery County Education Foundation, and Sexual Assault Center.
He is survived by his fiancée and daughter.
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… pic.twitter.com/DYJUuPVShW— TN House Republicans (@tnhousegop) November 14, 2025
The Tennessee House Republican Caucus released a statement on Burkhart’s passing, calling him a leader who “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…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,” the Republican Caucus 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.”
Tennessee State Representative and House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) said Burkhart was “loved” by his constituents.
“Over the last several years, I’ve had the privilege of knocking on doors for members of my [Republican Caucus]. The doors I hit for Jeff Burkhart left a lasting impression on me. Montgomery County knew, loved, and appreciated their Rep. Door after door, I would hear stories of how Jeff had helped their family. Firefighters literally stopped to get signs from me. Jeff’s life mattered and the TN House of Representatives will greatly miss him,” Faison said.
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… pic.twitter.com/LUMMpx0ofs
— Jeremy Faison (@RepFaison) November 14, 2025
U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) both released statements mourning Burkhart’s passing.
“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 said.
Hagerty said he was “incredibly sad” hearing the news of Burkhart’s passing, adding, “Jeff was a wonderful husband, father, and friend who truly embodied the love of Christ and the Volunteer Spirit. Please join me in praying for the Burkhart family as well as his fellow members in the General Assembly who will miss him dearly.”
Republican nominee for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District Matt Van Epps called Burkhart a “true servant, philanthropist, community leader, and a truly great Tennessean.”
Today, Clarksville mourns the profound loss of State Representative Jeff Burkhart. Representative Burkhart was a true servant, philanthropist, community leader, and a truly great Tennessean. The impact he had on his community is immesurable. He will be remembered for his… pic.twitter.com/9etc51Toja
— Matt Van Epps for Congress (@MattForTN) November 14, 2025
“The impact he had on his community is immeasurable. He will be remembered for his dedication to serving our children, our veterans, and our communities, and he will be greatly missed,” Van Epps said.
The Tennessee Democratic Party also released a statement Friday, extending its “deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and constituents of State Representative Jeff Burkhart.”
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
