Robert Jearl Burnett, Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Jearl Burnett, age 82. He passed on October 23rd at his home, peacefully, with his family and loved ones around him.

Jearl lived in Scurry, Texas, with his youngest son, Robert (Robby) Jearl Burnett Jr., daughter-in-law Anna Burnett, and three grandchildren: Holly (McKenzie), Morgan, and Little Robby.

Jearl was born on September 21st, 1943, in Forney, Texas, to Elmer Ray Burnett and Ida Moselle Burnett.

Jearl was a hard worker who enjoyed his job and the many friends he worked with. He spent 25 years at National Oilwell and retired — but he couldn’t stand it just sitting at home — so he went back to work and put in another 20 years with the City of Kaufman.

Jearl loved going out to eat and talking to everyone around him. He loved racing cars, and he loved game chickens — in fact, he met his wife, Vickie, at a derby over 40 years ago in Oklahoma.

Jearl is survived by his sister, Virginia Matthew, and his brother, Billy Burnett, along with his five sons — Robby, Johnny, Steven, Michael, and Billy — and his daughter, Holly. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jearl was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Moselle Burnett; his brothers Earl and Michael Burnett; his sister Diane Griffin; his son Chris Burnett; his wife, Vickie Burnett; and numerous aunts, uncles, other family members, and dear friends.

Jearl was a true people person. He had many friends, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Daddy,

I loved you more than you could have ever known, from a young kid all the way until the end. I may have been a lot bigger than you, but I never stopped looking up to you and the man you were. You worked hard every day — not feeling good, sick or not — you laced your boots up and went to work (that’s why year after year you got those perfect attendance certificates).

I didn’t know it then, but you were instilling in me how important it was to work hard and be a man. Later, in my teenage years, we started traveling a lot together — from rooster shows to arm-wrestling tournaments — you were always by my side. When things got crazy from time to time, I’d always say, “Daddy, hold my wallet and phone, and please stay back.” When I looked beside me, there you were — not staying back, not staying out of it — and I will never forget that.

I wanted to make you proud more than anything, and I pray I did and always will. You lived a long and full life. You fought hard, and every time the doctors thought you were done, you broke the count one more time.

It killed me when you passed, but knowing you are in a better place now, up there with Momma — and that you won’t be in that wheelchair you hated so much — made things a little easier.

I won’t say goodbye, but instead I will say: until I see you again.