Danny Lee Burnett
September 12, 1941 – August 23, 2020
Danny (“Dan”) Lee Burnett was born to Frederick Lee Burnett and Ida Mae Burnett (nee White) in Neelyville, MO. Dan was the older brother of Evelyn Rich (nee Burnett) whom he loved most dearly and he enjoyed a deep friendship with his brother-in-law Richard Rich (who passed away in June, 2016). He was raised in Corning, AR where he attended and graduated from Corning High School. Shortly after high school Dan met the love of his life and married Jean Dale Burnett (nee Crismon) of Neelyville, MO in 1961. Dan and Jean were true partners and best friends throughout their 52 years of marriage, until Jean passed away in July, 2013.
Dan and Jean began to grow their own family by becoming the loving, caring and dedicated parents of Jamie McDonald, Danny Burnett, Aaron Burnett and Kyle Burnett (who passed away in December, 2019). Dan was affectionately known to his grand-children and many other members of the community as “Boompa.” He was an amazing, supportive and always comical Boompa to Beth Burnett, Emily Jones, Drew Jones, Lee Burnett, Gavin Burnett and Suzanne Burnett. He was also “Bonus Boompa” to Megan McDonald and Chanz Northington. And Dan was proudly the great-grandfather of Sophie Millaire and Carter Jones.
Dan and Jean worked in a variety of vocations in the Corning, AR area as young adults. In order to obtain a wider range of employment options and expand opportunities for themselves and their children they moved to St. Louis, MO, ultimately settling in Ferguson, MO in 1971. Dan began working as a member of the Teamsters Union as a parts department counterman and manager at several Ford auto dealerships. He made many lasting friendships with colleagues and was respected for his strong work ethic and easy-going nature by all that he worked with over the course of his career.
Dan and Jean also grew deep roots in the community where they became very active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson and involved themselves in a wide variety of things aimed at serving others and the larger community. Such commitments of time and energy included a host of service related activities and programs through the Church including assisting the homeless, meal/food pantry programs, disaster recovery and volunteering to support anything that helped the development of young people in the Church and the greater community. On a more personal level, Dan and Jean were foster parents for the better part of twenty years in which they would welcome children into their home and provide for them in both short term and long term situations.
Dan was a naturally kind hearted, quietly generous, hardworking, selfless and funny person. All those that got to know him valued him for his honesty, humility, and humor. While he had a reserved personality, he became a steady and reliable friend to nearly all he met. All those that counted Dan as a friend will miss him and remember him fondly.
More than anything, he was dedicated to his family which he worked tirelessly to support and was always there for at any time for any reason. Dan was an absolutely superb son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. As his family is fully aware, being born or accepted into the family of Dan Burnett is a true blessing for which they are so fortunate. His memory of genuine, simple kindness and unconditioned love will live in the hearts of his family forever.
A memorial service to honor Dan’s life has been set to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 3:00 PM. In order to keep all Dan’s friends and loved ones safe during these times, this service will be taking place on the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson located at 401 Darst Rd., Ferguson, MO 63135. Those that attend may either listen to/participate in the service from their vehicles via an outdoor speaker system, listen on your car radio (available only in very close proximity to the Church) or can bring lawn chairs and sit in the parking lot.
In lieu of flowers please make all gifts honoring Dan’s life to First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson, 401 Darst Rd., Ferguson, MO 63135 and all funds collected will be used to support the Church’s food pantry/voucher program.
I am very sorry to hear of Danny’s passing. I have known Dan since we went to school together in Corning Ar. That would be back in the fifties. 1950s. I have always thought Danny and his sister Evelyn were two of the best people on earth. I just never thought this day would come and never reached out to Dan very much, because for one thing, he was sick for awhile and didn’t want to visit.
I went to Jean’s funeral with Danny at the church, and just fell in love with the congregation. They all love each other and you can just feel it by being in their presence.
I know Danny will be with the Lord in heaven, and Jean.
I am sorry for your loss, but knowing Dan and Jean, I am sure you kids will see them again some day.
God Bless you all.
Love “Dan the Man”! Such a wonderful and koving man who had the best choice of women, his wife Jean. Such a beautiful couple with so much to give. I only dream I could do so many wonderful things in a life with such grace. You are greatly missed!
Danny was a fine person and wonderful family man.He will be missed by all who knew him . Thoughts and prayers to all especially his sister Evelyn who loved him dearly.
Words beautifully written about a beautiful man!
We grew up together on the East side of Corning. Danny was raised by two wonderful parents . He and his sister, Evelyn was two very special people. Never heard anyone ever say a cross word about Danny. He was always so soft spoken and a good friend. Evelyn I know your going to miss him but anyone who ever came in contact with him will have a hole left in their lives. May God Bless you and the rest of his family.
I knew Danny from high school and he was a great person. When I think of Danny in high school I think of his cool car!
I became friends with his wife, Jean after they married. They were the perfect couple.
Evelyn, so sorry for your loss.
My Uncle Danny B. There are certain people who are influential role models in ones life that have a lasting impression. I can remember the 1st time I went deer hunting. Me and my dad and “little Danny “ and uncle Dan. We didn’t fire a shot or see a deer but the words of wisdom and experience will live on forever. I’ll never forget my first fly fishing trip. Uncle Dans boat me and “little Danny “. Uncle Dans patience and calm demeanor even as he taught me how to let more line out ,whipping it dangerously close to our faces. I think the first strike I had resulted in the fish hitting the side of the boat from 20 + feet away . I hooked uncle Dans hat several times along with everything else in the boat. He didn’t even curse or smack me upside the head! We left plenty of fish in the lake missing lips that day. But uncle Dan got us home safe and sound no one missing an ear or eye. I went through a good portion of middle school with a Sherwood Sherwood ford ford tshirt with the Trojan horse truck on it . Kids would say that’s a cool truck I would boast “yeah my uncle works there “! I remember my first concert “Boston and Sammy Hagar 3/9/1979”me and little Danny had awesome seats for our birthday thanks to uncle Dan. It was an experience that I’ll never forget. I can remember being at the bowling alley in Ferguson “watching Aunt Jean killing it” and uncle Dan teaching me how to count boards to hit my targets more consistently! I was terrible but still use that same technique when I bowl today. ( I’m still not good) Not only did Uncle Dan have a profound impact on my younger years but it is as an adult I probably learned the most. Before there was google or YouTube after hours of frustration you call uncle Dan and he tells you how to fix your car!!!! “Even if the answer is get a bigger hammer” it helps to know your not screwing up. Even though I have little patience I have seen what a patient, calm and confident man can do for a fussy baby! I have seen uncle Dan “calmer of all things young” be handed a many of crying babies and within minutes in the rocking chair one or both were asleep! You can’t tell a baby to calm down but somehow they know when they’re in a set of safe and secure arms and it soothes them. I believe Dan has shown us all how to be a great family man and role model! With that said I gotta believe that he wanted to be with aunt Jean most of all. We will all miss him and his infectious laugh ( I didn’t even need to hear the joke just hearing him laugh made me laugh). I for one will take a little peace in knowing that a wonderful American couple is back together again.
I enjoyed every minute I spend in his presence. He will be missed by many.
I new Danny and Jean, from our time in Corning. Danny left a wonderful legacy. I remember his silliness and his laughter, I respected him greatly. He and Jean were the ideal couple.
One memory I have was going to Danny’s Mom Idas House ,for Sunday dinner, their would be a house full of family and friends.
Ida always had so much food. Ida raised two good children, Danny and
Evelyn, loved them both.
I’m sorry to hear Danny is gone, but know he happy to be with his Lord
Jamie and Bub my prayers for you both