John Burkett, Jr Obituary (1934

John Burkett, Jr. was born July 19, 1932 in Rex Five, Iowa to John Burkett, Sr. and Leona Rumley Burkett. He attended school in that little mining town until the eighth grade. The family lived in Rex Five, Buxton and Waukee until they settled in Des Moines. John worked where he could until he was trained as a butcher. He then worked at Bookey Packing House and Wilson Packing Company until his retirement. He was an excellent provider for his family and a role model for responsible manhood. He married the love of his live, Beverly Williams, on September 3, 1954. John was a quiet, solitary man, didn't talk a lot; but when he did, people listened. If you didn't want to know the truth-don't ask John. He was direct and honest and you knew exactly where he stood on any given subject. You did not want to provoke him though. John also had a heart of gold. Generous and loving to his wife, Beverly. Nurturing and instructional to his children, Debra, John C, Mary and Terry. And a teddy bear of a man to the grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. When John wasn't at work he spent time gardening, fishing, and hunting. He loved being outdoors. He played and coached softball and baseball. He was the "Master BBQ man" who claimed a secret marinade is what made them great. On January 8, 2015, Jesus whispered John's name and he answered his Master's call. he was 82 years old. Preceding John in death was an infant daughter, Victoria Marie; his parents, John and Leona Burkett; his sisters, Marion, Pearl, Mary, Jacqueline and Barbara; and his brothers David, Louis, and William. John leaves cherished memories with his wife of 60 years, Beverly W. Burkett; his children, Debra Anderson, John C. Burkett, Mary (Rev. David) Finnell and Terry (Mandy) Burkett; his grandchildren, Anthony, Tyrone, Jr., Kory, Jonathan, Roman, Kristen, Anesa, and Angela; 30 1/2 great grandchildren and 2 great great grand children, along with a host of extended family, church family and friends. Visitation JAN 13. 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home 3500 Sixth Avenue Des Moines, IA, US, 50313 info@hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com http://www.hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com Visitation with family at the funeral home from 3 to 5 pm. JAN 13. 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home 3500 Sixth Avenue Des Moines, IA, US, 50313 info@hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com http://www.hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com Funeral service with vistation one hour prior JAN 14. 12:00 PM Mt. Olive Baptist Church 3100 -2nd Avenue Des Moines, IA, US