John Gene Burnett

April 5, 1929 - March 20, 2019

My husband, John Gene Burnett also known as “Big John” was born April 5, 1929 in Augusta, Arkansas to Theodore Roosevelt and Lillie Burnett. His parents, two brothers and sister preceded him in death. He received an honorable discharge from United States Army after serving in the Korean conflict. He was employed at Dennis Chemical Company where he retired after many years of faithful service. Later he was employed by UFCW local 655 until his health began to fail. He was also instrumental in the construction of the St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. He married the love of his life Barbara Jean Nelson after many years of courtship, they were joined in Holy Matrimony for 48 years. My husband was a giant of a man even in later years in the Missouri Veterans Home he delighted the staff and others with his comedic delivery and mannerisms. I often commented, “I only married him because he was so funny". He (John) was living his golden years, when suddenly the last ten days he was succumbed and hospitalized for a serious illness. He was the patriarch of the Boone-Burnett family, he was much loved and admired. He leaves to mourn in his memory: a loving wife ~ Barbara Jean; son ~ Kevin; daughter ~ Valerie; four grandchildren ~ Gregory (Rommel), Tiana, Sean and Jennifer; nine great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild on the way; and a host of cousins family and friends.