Kenneth Joy Burnett, 98, a resident of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away peacefully Monday, August 7, 2023 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. He was born September 11, 1924 to Ralph and Bertha (Spears) Burnett in Kansas City, MO.
Kenneth graduated in 1942 from Northeast High School in Kansas City, MO. He served his country proudly as a 2nd Class Aviation Machinist in the United States Navy where he was honorably discharged. Kenneth was united in marriage to Marline Carter on December 5, 1946 in Kansas City, MO. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO. Kenneth spent his working career as an electrical engineer for General Electric in Houston, TX. He enjoyed traveling and playing golf.
Survived by his nieces, Linda Barker of Blue Springs, MO, Mary Vassholz of Memphis, MO; nephews, James Roy Burnett Jr. of Overland Park, KS, Eddie Burnett of Clearwater, FL. Kenneth is preceded in death by his wife, Marline Burnett; parents, Ralph and Bertha Burnett; sister, Billie Grimes; brother, James Roy Burnett Sr.; nephew, John E. Robertson Sr.
Kenneth will be cremated per his wishes. His family will gather to celebrate his life at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Kenneth and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
I met Ken in the Lee’s Summit Lions Club. I always enjoyed listening to his stories about the Lions Club and about his life. Due to his vision Ken began to not attend the meetings even when another Lion member offered to drive him to the meeting. My wife and I moved into the JKV and we would see Ken eating his lunch at one of the restaurants. We would often sit with him with our meal and would visit. He shared many stories and we always enjoyed listening to them. He would always order a bowl of soup to go along with his meal and my wife would always ask his opinion on how well it tasted. We last saw him eating using a walker as he shared his legs were not working as well. He was a tremendous man and I am blessed to have known him.
Ken and Marline were a huge part of my childhood. They lived across the street from me on Green Acres Dr. in Liverpool, NY. They treated me like a daughter. I loved them both dearly and kept in touch thru the years. I remember when Ken bought his little white corvette and enjoyed the occasional ride. I visited them when they moved to League City, Texas and had a darling gift shop.
God bless his soul.