Jesse Leon Burnett, 60, Erie, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, with his wife and children by his side.

Jess was born on Oct. 31, 1951 in Parsons, to Mazie Brenner Burnett and William A. Burnett. He was raised on a farm in rural St. Paul, and attended Erie Schools where he graduated in 1969.

He started work at Ruskin Manufacturing at age 18 and worked for 35 years in a supervisory position until his retirement in 2004 due to illness.

He was united in marriage to Debbie Lock in February, 1990.

Jess enjoyed farming and watching over his cattle, restoring old tractors and cars, spending time with his family, including shooting guns and having friendly competitions. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chanute.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, of the home; son David and his wife, Gina, rural Erie; daughters Kyra Freeman and her husband, Marc, St. Paul, Shellie Burnett, Altamont, and DeNeil Smith and her husband, Scott, Sarcoxie, Mo.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Leo and his wife, Gena, rural Erie; and a sister, Gwen Lester, South Mound.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mazie Burnett, father, Bill Burnett, and sister Joyce Showalter and her husband, Charlie Showalter.

Funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb, 18 at the First Baptist Church in Chanute.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel in Chanute.

Memorials in his name may be made to Castaways Animal Shelter and may be left with the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com