Leaford “Lee” Burnett, 86

Leaford "Lee" Burnett, 86 years plus 1 day, passed away peacefully Monday January 7, 2024, at the Gainesville Health Care Center in Gainesville, Missouri, after a long battle with dementia and diabetes and a short battle with cancer. Knowing the inevitable, he chose to be cremated when the time came. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Lee was born in Marion County, Alabama, near Haleyville, Alabama, on January 6, 1938.  His family moved to near Sikeston, Missouri when he was 8 years old where he grew up picking cotton with his siblings. He moved to Rock Island, Illinois, in 1961 after the death of his mother. He met his wife Nancy on July 22, 1961, and married her three weeks later on August 12, 1961. It was love at first sight for both of them.  

Lee was an Army veteran, serving from August 1961 through August 1963. After his discharge, he returned to Rock Island where he worked for International Harvester in East Moline, Illinois. The company changed to Case IH from where he retired after working for 29 years.  

During his life, he was a volunteer firefighter with the Colona Volunteer Fire Department achieving the rank of Lieutenant before moving to Theodosia, Missouri, in June, 1993, where he joined the Masonic Lodge. For many years, he made the biscuits at the monthly community breakfast.   Lee attended the Theodosia Methodist Church.

Lee loved fishing, woodworking, doing maintenance on his vehicles and traveling. After a cruise/tour to Alaska for their 50th wedding anniversary, Lee asked everyone if they had been to Alaska. It was the highlight of his traveling life. He wanted so much to return, that his and his wife's  ashes will be scattered there. When God takes his wife home, their ashes will be mixed together.   

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, two children, Rene Rains of Conway, Arkansas, and Andy Burnett (Mary) of Moline, Illinois, one brother Earnest (Rose) of Queen Creek, Arizona, four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, and a son.  

Paid obituary. Printed as submitted.