Cover photo for Richard Joe Burnett's Obituary
Richard Joe Burnett Profile Photo
1935 Richard 2022

Richard Joe Burnett

January 9, 1935 — April 24, 2022

Richard Joe Burnett (MSG, USA, Retired) 

Richard Joe Burnett of Alta Vista, Kansas, passed away on April 24, 2022 in Herington, Kansas, at the age of 87. He was born on January 9, 1935, in Farmers Branch, Texas, to Jerry and Mary Ella (Johnson) Burnett. 

He married Norma Houser from Alta Vista on October 31, 1955. He was a soldier. Enlisting in the US Army, September 1950, at the age of 15. He spent a 16 month tour of duty in Japan before they discovered his true age. He was honorably discharged, but reenlisted in September 1952, volunteering for service in the Korean War where he was wounded, receiving the Purple Heart. He was returned to the conflict and participated in the battle of Pork Chop Hill. Richard also served in Germany, England and two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded three Bronze Stars, one for Valor along with numerous other decorations. Richard and family traveled extensively during his military career until his retirement from Ft Riley, KS in 1971. The family made their home in Alta Vista where he worked as an electronics technician. 

Richard was a member of Simpson United Methodist Church in Alta Vista. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Mary Burnett, wife Norma (Houser), daughter Tamra L. (Burnett) Lillich. Brothers: Jerry, Douglas, Bonnie Ray and Bruce. Sisters: Lillian, Margaret and Lotty. 

He leaves behind son Joel Burnett and Jody; son-in-law Mike Lillich; granddaughter Amy Nelson; grandsons Morgan and Kathy Lillich, Joshua Lillich and Nicholas Lillich; sisters Marti Charbonneau and Berni DeWolfe, and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Simpson United Methodist Church in Alta Vista. a private family burial will follow at Alta Vista Cemetery.

 

 

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Service

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Simpson United Methodist Church

518 Logan Street, Alta Vista, KS 66834

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