Joseph E. Burnett, 94, passed away January 4, 2017. Joe was born August 8, 1922 in Springfield, MO to Maude and Joe O. Burnett. Joe graduated with the Class of 1940 from SHS (Central High). After graduation, Joe enrolled in Drury College (University). In January, 1941, Joe, seeing that our country was headed for war, enlisted in the Army Medical Corp. He served five years and during the last two years he was 1st Lt. Administrator of a Field Hospital of the 5th Army in Italy. Returning home in January, 1946 Joe entered Drury where he met his future wife, Doris Tiller. They were married in June 1946 and recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. After Drury, Joe earned his Masters degree from the University of Missouri and worked towards a D. Ed. from the University of Illinois. During his career, he worked as a teacher, coach, school principal and Asst. Superintendent of Schools in Bronaugh, MO, Clinton, MO and Kankakee, IL. Retiring in 1984 to Fairfield Bay, AR, Joe enjoyed golf and playing bridge. In 2005, Joe and Doris returned to Springfield where they met new friends, enjoying bridge, joker and other card games. Joe was a devoted husband, loving father, and just simply a good man. Joe became a Christian at an early age and lived his faith. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Doris, daughters Julie Spivey (Dennis) of Arvada, CO, Patricia McKee (Michael) of Nixa, MO, and Debra Kumm (Bryan) of Astoria, OR. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Jeff Spivey, Frederick, CO, Jaime Benson, Yukon, OK, Sara Brox, Yukon, OK and three great grandchildren, Jaydan, Emma and Jakob.

Memorial services will be at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on January 12 with visitation at 11:00 and services at noon. Interment will be in Missouri Veteran's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to "Safe to Sleep" in c/o Council of Churches or Care To Learn.