Claude A. Burnett Sr.

Claude A. Burnett Sr. HALE CENTER - Claude Alexander Burnett Sr., 91, blessed his family and loved ones as he completed his earthly life on April 7, 2010, at his home in Hale Center, Texas. As a pillar of the community, Claude touched many lives through his work, generosity, humor and volunteerism. Claude was born Sept. 22, 1918, in Olustee, Okla., to Robert O. and Ethel Burnett. He graduated from Hale Center High School in 1936. Claude and Dora Marie were married in 1938. After farming and working at the local gin, Claude owned the Western Foods grocery store in Hale Center from 1951-64. Subsequently, he ran the Claude Burnett Agency, and 46 years later it is still open. Claude continued to work there everyday until medical issues in the past year prevented him from continuing his daily routine. During Claude's 91 years, he experienced the Depression, the advent of rural electricity, the release of B&W televisions and later color televisions, and the proliferation of automobiles, computers, phones and cell phones. His life was full of family, friends, stories and laughter. Claude worked hard for his family and gave back to the community through service. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church since 1938, during which time he was the head usher and later chairman of the trustees. Claude gave the Lions Club 64 years of service with positions including president and deputy district governor. He was a volunteer fireman for more than 58 years and served as secretary and fire chief. Claude was a member of the Free Masons (58 years), Chamber of Commerce (52 years), Salvation Army (40 years), Hale County Farm & Ranch Museum (28 years), Crime Line (20-plus years), City Council (12 years) and Senior Citizens Board. Claude was president of the Hale Center Cemetery Association since 1954 (56 years). At 21 years of age, Claude was volunteered to be Santa for the church when his father-in-law, Floyd Fergason, became ill and couldn't do it. Claude's Santa events expanded beyond the church and eventually involved the whole community. Claude was recognized for his prolific service as Santa after retiring in 1996 (57 years). Claude was recognized for his community efforts: 1959 Citizen Award, 1995 Melvin Jones Fellow (Lions Club) Award and along with Dora the 2004 Citizens Through the Years Award. He was also recognized for his sales performance with Farmer's Union Insurance through the President's Council Award for 15 years. Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Mattie Lee; son, Claude Burnett Jr. (Debbie); grandchildren, Alex Burnett (Mary) of Oklahoma and Teresa Hill (John) of Corinth; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Megan, Logan and Sarah; stepgrandchildren, Tom Cartmell and Machelle Nelson (both of Montana), their children: Johnathan, Mykaila, Chauntelle and Marissa; nieces and nephews, Rolanda Ammann (Jim) of Lubbock, Karen Shuman (Weldon) of Alaska, Sharon Bayne of Lubbock, Dick Burnett (Sylvia) of Lubbock, Mary Ann (Calvin-deceased) Davis of Oklahoma, Bobby Burnett (Teenie) of Abernathy, Jimmy Burnett (Lucrecia) of Huntsville, Linda-deceased Nicholes (Jerry) of Lubbock; Joe Robertson of Arkansas, Lee Robertson of Livingston, Layne Burnett (Katie) of Austin, Guyenth Burnett of Tennessee, Thomas Burnett of Bedford, Pattie Milliken of North Carolina, Stanley Orr of Colorado, Brenda Smith (Mike); and many great-nieces and nephews. Claude was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 71 years, Dora Marie (deceased November 2009) and siblings; Gladys Mae Robertson (Leonard), Robert Elvin (Dorothy), Richard Roland (Johnnie Mae), Jack (Jean) and Billy Earl (Mary). The family will receive friends at Abell Funeral Home in Hale Center from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 10. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11 at First United Methodist Church in Hale Center with the Rev. Jimmy Cameron officiating. Burial will follow in Hale Center Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home and Flower Shop. The family suggests memorials to the Hale Center Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 549, Hale Center, TX 79041; or to a favorite charity.