Chester Wayne Burnett

Chester Wayne Burnett was born on November 17th, 1948, in Gideon, Missouri, to John Jewell Burnett & Elizabeth Kennedy Burnett. Chester departed this life on September 20, 2023, at his home in Caruthersville, Missouri.
Chester attended school in Caruthersville, Missouri, graduating with the class of 1967. He attended trade school at the Burdette Technical School. He enlisted into the US Navy on June 23, 1967, until March 9, 1971, when he transferred to the Naval Reserve. He was in the Reserve until March 5, 1973. Chester was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Chester was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He took annual trips to the deer woods and occasional trips to spring river to trout fish and cherished those times. He spent a lot of time with friends playing softball and even more time playing golf. He loved watching the St Louis Cardinals and had a strict rule to not stand in front of the television. Chester liked to cook and eat, help with school projects, attend school activities, and he helped many family and friends with repairs or handy-work where he saw a need. One of his most enjoyable pastimes was to ride around and look at farmland, watching the farmers work and seeing the harvests every year. Chester was also a very strong Christian. He was active in his church as an usher and one who would help with anything needed. Chester was such a kind person who always saw good in everyone. Chester loved his family and loved spending time together. He was a proud husband, dad, and pa.
During his illness, he was always so thankful. He had an army of friends who prayed for him, cooked special foods for him, visited with him, and sent such inspirational cards and letters. He had expert and gentle medical care. He also shared an experience he had with archangel Rafael, who was with him through his journey through the gates of heaven with the most beautiful flowers.
He leaves his wife, Linda Burnett; five children: Jodie Burnett, Marcie Burnett (Brett), Michael Overbey (Regina), Renee Overbey Long (Lanny), Morgan Overbey; ten grandchildren: Konnor Burnett, Alexis Grittman, Elizabeth Grittman, KaylahAnne Solon, Preston Overbey (Alisha), Jake Overbey (Hillary), Lauren Long, Dusty Long (Hannah), Joe Morgan Overbey, Alyssa Overbey; and two great-grandchildren: Elaine Overbey, Roman Overbey. He also leaves his brother Barry Burnett (Brenda), sister-in-law Carol Burnett, Aunt Martha Kennedy, and many special nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud. In addition to family, he leaves his lifelong best friend, Ray House.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dr. Clete Burnett.
Funeral mass for Chester Wayne Burnett will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 605 Ward Avenue in Caruthersville, Missouri. Interment to follow in Little Prairie Cemetery.
Visitation will be held the evening prior, on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the H.S. Smith Funeral Home Chapel, with rosary at 6:00 PM.
Pallbearers: Preston Overbey, Jake Overbey, Dusty Long, Joe Morgan Overbey, Jay Stricklin, & Landon Stricklin
Memorials can be sent to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or to the R3 Party.