Robert F. Burkett
Robert (Bob) Frank Burkett of Charlotte passed away on March 28, 2018 at the age of 84. He was the son of the late Mildred Proctor Burkett Forent and Joseph Franklin Burkett. Bob was born on June 29, 1933 in Lansing. He married Mary Matheney on September 27, 1952. They were married for 56 years, before she predeceased him in 2008.
Bob graduated from Bellevue High School and immediately began working three jobs, Wilcox-Gaye in Charlotte, excavation, and Kellogg’s. He worked at Kellogg’s for 37 years before his retirement in 1988. In 1954 Bob joined the Navy, but before he was called to service, he was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War. For one month he was in the Navy and Army at the same time.
After the Army Bob returned to work at Kellogg’s and purchased the family farm in Kalamo Township. He was the third generation to own the farm. Currently it is owned and operated by his son, Dan and grandsons, Tyler and Brandon. The business is known as Burkett Farms.
Bob had many, many hobbies over the years, including: a speedboat, hunting, snowmobiles, motorcycles, antique tractors, an MG car, and a Model A car and truck. He joined several clubs to enjoy the activities more. He also restored many antique tractors, cars, and trucks. Bob enjoyed telling stories. He would ask if we wanted to hear a ‘true story,’ of course how true was always up to the listener to determine. His last project was restoring a doodle-bug and grinding whole-wheat flour and giving it away to friends and family.
In addition to owning the family farm for many years, he owned a cabin on the Chippewa River while his children were young. Canoeing, tubing, and swimming in the river, while mini-bikes and bon-fires were enjoyed on land. In 1993, Bob and Mary moved to Charlotte. In recent years he has enjoyed dancing and going to the casinos with partner Jackie Morris. He attended the Nashville Baptist Church.
Bob is survived by his three children, Dena (Tedd) Hendon, Denise Burkett, and Dan (Jackie) Burkett; four grandchildren, Dr. Courtney (Gavin) Acton, Tyler Burkett (fiancé Brittany Crittenden), Dr. Ainsley Hendon (Navy Chief Petty Officer Spencer Flynn), and Army Specialist Brandon Burkett.
He was predeceased by wife, Mary; son, Joey; and sister, Bonnie Everhart.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for the immediate family. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Eaton Community Palliative Care, website: echospice.org.
The best word to describe Bob’s life is active. Bob was always busy doing, and thinking of the next adventure. This is the way we will remember him.
You can share memories of Bob on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.