Mr. John Robert Burnett, age 79, of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on January 28, 2023.
John was born in Indiana on April 2, 1943, to the late Carl Lee and Ella Bridwell Burnett. John was raised by his loving parents on the family farm outside of McLeansboro, Illinois where he graduated from McLeansboro High School in 1962. John loved his rural life in southern Illinois growing up with his three sisters and having almost daily visits with his Grandmother Ina Hicks.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by sister, Patricia Ann and her husband Bill Hunt; sister, Karla Jo Chappo; best buddy & brother-in-law, Bud Murphy.
John proudly served his country in the US Air Force for eight years. He was stationed in Texas; Kansas City; Ankara, Turkey and Scott AFB in Belleville, Illinois where he met his wife, Susan. John received several recognitions including Airman Of The Month and Airman Of The Year during his service. In 1970 John began working as a clerk for Budd Company in Detroit, Michigan. He transferred to Johnson City in 1980 where he later retired as a supervisor for Bosch Corporation. John enjoyed listening to gospel & bluegrass music, as well as carpentry and participating in the Erwin Apple Festival and Jonesborough Days with his wife.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Susan Frillman Burnett; daughter, Robin Burnett of Rome, Georgia; son, Carl Burnett of Johnson City, Tennessee; beloved grandson, Skyler Burnett of Johnson City, Tennessee; sister, Betty Murphy of Royal Oak Michigan; several nieces and nephews; and his adorable fur-baby Miss Nina Burnett.
Shel Silverstein poem that describes John!
PUT SOMETHING IN
Draw a crazy picture,
Write a nutty poem,
Sing a mumble-gumble song,
Whistle through your comb.
Do a loony-goony dance
‘Cross the kitchen floor,
Put something silly in the world
That ain’t been there before.
His body will be donated to East Tennessee State University, per his wishes.
I love you forever and will miss your for as long as I live.
02/01/2023
Tony and Doris Stayer
So sorry to hear about the passing of John. It was such a shock to hear that he had become so sick. We prayed for John but it was the Lords will that he go on to his reward. We realize this is hard for his wife and family and we pray for them that the Lord will comfort them during this time. We have been neighbors for as long as I can remember, if there is anything we can do please let us know.
01/31/2023
Theresa McFarland Vance
To Sue, Robin, Carl, family and friends,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I hadn't seen him in a long time, but I always thought so much of him. An old-time expression, he was a card!
I think the good Lord broke the mold when he made John - he was one in a million!
Although it has been years (actually decades) I always enjoyed the time I spent with your family. I remember what fun we had playing softball with him as our coach! Please know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers - praying especially for peace and that good memories will in time give you a smile.
Theresa "Big T"
01/31/2023
Sheila (Scott) Bray
I worked with John when Budd Company first started. He was always willing to help with any activity or project. He was a good co worker and a friend. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God surround you with His loving arms of peace and comfort.
