Leonard D. Burnett

Leonard Dale "Len" Burnett, age 66, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2014, at his home. Len was born on April 30, 1947, in Ottawa, Kansas, the second of three sons of Clarence and Helen (Brumfield) Burnett. Len grew up in the Lane and Rantoul areas. He attended school at Rantoul and graduated from Central Heights in 1966. During the construction of Central Heights, Len submitted the name that was ultimately chosen, for the new school. Len was drafted into the US Army in 1966. He served on tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded two bronze service stars and was honorably discharged in October of 1968. Following his time in the service he returned to Ottawa where he began working at Ottawa Truck in December of 1968. Len met Retha on January 9, 1970 in Ottawa after drag racing Retha. Len may have let Retha win the race but Len won Retha over. After 45 years of employment there, Len retired from Ottawa Truck on August 1, 2013. He was united in marriage to Retha Beissel on June 6, 1970, at the First Christian Church in Garnett. Len's devotion could be seen in the fact that Len never removed his wedding band in his 44 years of marriage. This union was blessed with two children. Following their marriage, they lived in Ottawa for a short time before moving to Garnett. They moved to their current home in Garnett in June of 1971. In 1975 Len began serving as a volunteer fire fighter. He was Assistant Chief for City of Garnett Fire Department and Anderson County Rural Fire Department. One of Len's hobbies was fishing, he loved to catch but not eat fish, however, Retha loved to eat fish Len caught. He enjoyed camping, and they went almost every weekend from April to October for the last 6 years. Len also collected model trains, and he enjoyed wood carving and bird watching. He was excellent at starting projects, although they may not get finished. Len was a collector of many things, because you never know when you might need it. The family did not go on many family vacations, but when they did, they were big trips. Len will be remembered and missed for his quiet nature and his willingness to help anyone with anything. His family will miss their devoted husband and father. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant brother, Clarence James Burnett; great-nephew, Christopher Burnett. Len is survived by his wife of 44 years, Retha Burnett, of the home; son Michael Burnett and wife Amy of Colony, Kansas; daughter Lindsay Stark and husband Justin of Pittsburg, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Cody, Landen, Keaton, Andie, Braylee, Chloe and Danielle; brother, Ellsworth Burnett and wife Ann of Parker, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, January 27, 2014, at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Springfield Cemetery, Garnett. Family will greet friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday evening at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to Anderson County Rural Fire Department and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com