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 burial will follow at Alta Vista Cemetery.

To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.sawyerchapel.com.