Fred E. Burnett

Fred E. Burnett, 88, of Kansas City, passed away on December 21, 2011, after several years of declining health. Fred Edward Burnett was born on February 21, 1923, to Dwight and Leta Burnett on a farm outside of Mound City, Missouri. He will be sadly missed by his sister, Dorothy Jean Moore of Mound City, son Mark Burnett and daughter-in-law Joann Burnett of Noblesville, Indiana, as well as his grandchildren David Burnett (Indianapolis) and Elizabeth (Minneapolis). Fred is also survived by four great grandchildren; Cooper and Charlotte Burnett (Indianapolis) and Graham and Jocelyn Snow (Minneapolis). He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Simone and son Bruce. Fred grew up on a farm outside of Mound City, Missouri and graduated from Mound City High School. Fred ran every running event on the Track Team, played the baritone horn in the high School band and was the Class Valedictorian. Fred graduated from high school in 1941, and began attending Tarkio College later that fall. At Tarkio, Fred continued running track and lettered in that sport. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army-Air Corps and was called to active duty in 1943. He was chosen to be a pilot and upon completion of his training, he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1944, Fred was assigned to the 422nd Night Fighter Squadron in Florrenes, Belgium (near Bastogne). During his assignment in Belgium, Fred met Simone, and they were married in 1946. Prior to his discharge, Fred was promoted to the rank of Captain. Upon returning home, Fred returned to Tarkio College, where he was elected to Class President and graduated as Class Valedictorian, with an Accounting Degree. After Graduation, Fred was selected by General Electric to attend its Management Training Program, in New York. In 1953, Fred accepted a position with General Motors in Kansas City, Kansas. Two years later Fred was transferred to a Labor Relations position in Doraville, Georgia. In 1960, Fred was transferred back to Kansas City, where he progressed though multiple positions of increasing responsibility and ultimately advanced to the Labor Relations Manager. Fred retired in 1986. Fred had numerous personal interests to which he devoted time and energy. He sang in the Gashland United Methodist Church Choir, was an avid bridge player, enjoyed sporting activities and served as accountant for Boy Scout Troop 417. He also and assisted as a leader on many Boy Scout camping trips and outings. Fred will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In leiu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to "Honor Flight Network - Kansas City," in care of Kendallwood Hospice at 8559 North Line Creek Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. 64154. Funeral service will be 10:00am Friday December 23, 2011 at White Chapel, in Gladstone, MO. Visitation will be 5-7pm Thursday December 22, 2011 at the Funeral Home.