Willard Edward Burnett

Willard Edward "Pete" Burnett, 84, died Monday, November 16, 2009, in Abilene. Born in Poteau, Oklahoma, on May 24, 1925, he was the son of Lillie Mae (Shockley) and Willard Samuel Burnett. Having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, he flew 32 missions as a ball turret gunner aboard a B-17 in the 94th Bomb Group over France, Germany and Central Europe during World War II. Forced down in France, he was rescued by the French underground and safely returned to England. Mr. Burnett, Pete to everyone who knew him, was a very patriotic American who would get emotional when the National Anthem was played, and was proud to display the American flag. Pete started out in the oil field as a welder. In 1961, he went to work for Cabot-Franks working overseas as a company representative for the Field and Service Division. Mr. Burnett retired in 1985 in the position of Director of National Accounts for Ingersoll-Rand. Pete will be most remembered for his love and devotion for his wife of 65 years, June, whom he married on August 28, 1945 in Oilton, Oklahoma. His greatest joy was spending time with his sons, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a much loved and respected patriarch of his family, and will be greatly missed. One of his much loved pastimes was playing his guitar, whether by himself or with his brothers. Pete was a member of Elm Valley Community Church. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Stephen Burnett, on August 20, 2009; parents; and brother, Samuel Burl Burnett. Mr. Burnett is survived by his wife, June Shelley Burnett of Abilene; son, Steven C. Burnett and wife, Teresa, of Windom, Texas; daughter, Linda K. Johnston and husband, Curtis, of Tuscola, Texas; daughter-in-law, Janice Burnett; two brothers, John Burnett of Wichita, Kansas, and Randall Burnett of Burlington, Kansas; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Friday, November 20, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Pastor Ken Cunningham and Pastor Gary Crawford officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Steve Burnett, Curtis Johnston, Jake Burnett, Bryce Hughs, Brad Crawford and Cody Crawford. Memorials may be made to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch, 501 Ben Richey Drive, Abilene, TX 79602, or American Cancer Society, 209 S. Danville, Bldg. B, Ste 107, Abilene, TX 79605.