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John Burnitt Obituary
John Darrell Burnitt, peacefully passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010 after battling a short illness. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 12, at The Memorial Funeral Home, 802 Market St. Hearne. Funeral Services are set for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Church of the Epiphany, 501 E Gregg St. Calvert, Texas.
Darrell was born on May 21, 1958, in Austin, where he was raised. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1976 and later The University of Texas in 1980. He was the seventh generation rancher of the Calvert Family Farm: a descendent of Robert Calvert. He was in Real Estate and formerly in the music business with Ryko Distribution. He was dedicated to the Episcopal Church in Calvert, Texas. Throughout his life, any endeavor presented to Darrell was given his utmost attention and commitment.
He was also described by his family and friends as a generous and selfless man. His heart beat for others, and whenever someone was in need, he never hesitated to help out. His jovial and lighthearted nature made the time spent with him indescribable, for his leadership and powerful presence was definitely one of a kind. Darrell loved fishing and the outdoors, listening to music; classic cars and spending time with loved ones.
Darrell was preceded in death by his first wife, Denise Dunham Burnitt; father, Seth C Burnitt III; and grandparents, Sam and Louise DeWitt.
He was survived by his wife, Yvonne Burnitt; step-son, Timothy Whetstone; step-daughter, April Whetstone, of Austin; mother, Diane Bailey, of Georgetown; brother, Calvert Burnitt, of Austin; sister, Jennifer Caudle and her husband, Mike Caudle; niece, Sherilyn Caudle; and nephew, Joshua Caudle, of Georgetown.
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." (Isaiah 43:1) Funeral Arrangement by, Memorial Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Burnitt
George Deahl
March 6, 2019
Darrell was one of a kind. Cant believe he's been gone 9 years. We had a couple of things in common, cars, tasting whiskey and the blues. We loved listening to music but the blues was a mainstay. God bless our memories of him.
Andy Schatzki
April 5, 2010
I was a next door neighbor of Darrell's for many years (1966 to 1978). His brother, Stan, and I would hang out quite a bit. Darrell was older, so he usually didn't want to have too much to do with us--we were only kids then. I am sad to hear of his passing though. I hope that his family is doing well, as I'm sure he is greatly missed.
March 23, 2010
I was greatly saddened to learn of Darrell's passing. He was a good friend in Jr. High and High School,- he had such a kind heart and a wonderful sense of humor. My sincere condolences to all his family for your very great loss.
Luanne Longenecker Gytri
Dan Mosley
March 22, 2010
I just received word of Darrell's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Burnitt family.
Darrell was one of the "good guys" you are lucky enough to cross paths with in life. As President of Sigma Nu he had a much greater impact shaping young lives, especially mine, then he ever realized.
It was an honor to have known him.
Rest in Peace Commander Burnitt
phil gavenda
March 19, 2010
This news just reached me; my thoughts go out to Darrell's family.
Darrell and I were pretty close friends in jr high. I often hopped on my old 10-speed and rode from my house near Shoal Creek to go spend the day with Darrell up in northwest hills. I remember discussions on almost every topic under the sun, and Darrell usually laughing about something. And I remember him belonging to a record club, so he'd often play me his latest acquisition. (To this day, whenever I see/hear a "Bread" album I think of Darrell.)
I hadn't heard from Darrell in years, but have often recalled those days fondly. He will be missed.
Janet Johnson Baker
March 19, 2010
I hadn't seen Darrell in years thought of him occasionally in the last few years wish I could have met him again. I am sure he will be missed greatly
David Thomson
March 18, 2010
I will always remember meeting him the first time in Austin. No doors at the Sigma Nu house were safe. We will all miss him.
Sherilyn Caudle
March 18, 2010
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
I miss you so much Uncle Darrell. It was a pleasure and honor to be a part of your family.
April Whetstone
March 18, 2010
Although my heart aches with unbelievable sadness, I write this note with tears of happiness on behalf of such a wonderful man. He touched the lives of many people and those that remember him remember his huge heart, his contagious smile, and his admirable presence. Darrell was known for his determination, knowledge and prominence of doing things the right way, and aside from his jovial, humorous self, he had a gentle soul. I am honored and privileged to have been able to know this side of him. While Darrell did not have children of his own, he took me in under his wing and loved me unconditionally like his own. I knew that I could call Darrell for anything at anytime and his advice was always advice worth taking. From college tests and papers, to entering the career world, to just needing a great father figure and shoulder to lean on, he was right by my side, and believed in me to the fullest. I’ll never forget the happiness he brought to my mother and the love and tenderness he poured over both of us. I will forever be grateful for getting the chance of having Darrell as a father. I’ll especially miss fishing by his side, listening to all his oldies music, grilling on the back porch, watching movies in his beloved self-made theatre, laughing at his goofy jokes, sitting by the fire at the ranch, but mostly, I’ll miss his big bear hugs. I could never thank Darrell enough for all that he has done for me, my family and friends. I loved him so much and rejoice in the thought of being reunited with my fathers' in heaven once again.
March 16, 2010
Brad, I would love to see these pictures. Could you tell me how I can see them on line?
Jennifer Caudle (sister)
Mike Lundgren
March 16, 2010
Darrell, I miss you very much. Wish we could have one last O.T. Special at dirty's. There were so many good times I can't count them all. Thanks for being my friend, and we'll be together in heaven to catch a fish on every cast. Love you Brother.
March 16, 2010
Vonnie and family: while i have not had the pleasure of meeting you i wanted to send my condolences. i returned to austin over the weekend and saw the tragic news re: Darrell. I knew Darrell from our days at UT (the good ol days)and spent many evenings with him, Rick, Stan and others at the Nu house (just down from our SAM house). I also just found our old Posse picture on line while trying to find some info. I have great memories of our times back then and only hope that he continued to have fun since. He had a great infectious happy spirit and it was a pleasure to hang around with him. I am confident that you and the family have many happy memories to cherish. with deepest condolences, Brad Greenblum
March 15, 2010
Vonnie and Family
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ernie, Martha, Eric & Clayton
Jere Goostree
March 15, 2010
Darrell was the first senior fraternity brother to recruit me in Austin as I toured the Sigma Nu House in the fall of 1978, at The University. For me, Darrell epitomized everything postive about Fraternity life at Texas. He was always quick with a smile and I never heard him speak ill of anyone he knew. My prayers are with his family. He will be missed !
Mary Meyer
March 15, 2010
I had the honor of working with Darrell at Ryko and being his friend.
He was always there with a joke, a hug, whatever you needed. He loved life, music, his family. My life was made better by his friendship. I will always miss him and remember him.
Rest in Peace, my friend.
Michele Delfino
March 14, 2010
I worked with Darrell when he was a salesperson for Ryko Distribution. His laughter and humor cut through the Gordian Knot that was our crazy music business corporate structure! He made the unendurable endurable. He was the perfect host, whenever any of us travelled to Austin for SXSW, Darrell was always an enthusiastic tour guide and made sure we didn't miss a musical thing. He was also very gentlemanly when this Bostonian klutz could *not* learn the Texas Two Step at the Broken Spoke. Miss you Darrell!
Caroline Smith
March 14, 2010
your laugh must have been needed in heaven
your family and friends will miss you so ...
Cecelia Conitz Heinrich
March 13, 2010
I am so sorry to hear about Darrell. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Brad Nowlin
March 13, 2010
Darrell was one of the fraternity brothers that everyone loved. You could see that he was a caring and decent man and that warm smile reflected a big heart. My thoughts and prayers and with his family and his many friends.
Vicky Gaulding Lindsey
March 12, 2010
I have taken a moment to reflect on the many good memories of Darrell over the years. My heart is saddened by his passing and prayers go out to Vonnie and Darrell's family.
Cal Burnitt
March 12, 2010
You were the example of what it meant to be a big brother for me. Your positive influence in so many lives was your best feature. No one will forget the joy and sense of fun that you brought to life.
You have my love and gratitude.
Lori Kimbrough
March 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sadness. It was a pleasure knowing and working with Darrell (RCESD)... I will remember his smile!
Jennifer
March 12, 2010
I love you Darrell, you were the best brother anyone could ever have. I will miss you every day of my life until I see you again in heaven.
George Deahl
March 12, 2010
I am shocked by the news of one of my brothers. Darrell, was a business partner, and we became fast friends with his love of laughter and the blues. Two things we shared in common. His passing hurts my heart, but I know he is in the Fathers Kingdom. We will indeed meet again and rest in the Father and maybe sneak in a bit of blues.
George Deahl
Greg Archibald
March 12, 2010
Darrell will be very much missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of Darrell's family from me and Karen.
Debi Fincher
March 12, 2010
I served with Darrell on the Robertson County Emergency Services Board shortly after its inception. His caring and dedication to the citizens of Robertson County and to our volunteer firemen and women showed in the work he did for them. He was a good man.
My prayers are with the family - God bless you.
Karen Archibald
March 12, 2010
Peace, prayers and blessings to Darrell's family. He will be greatly missed by many. When I think of Darrell I think of his smile and his always present humor!
With Love, The Archibalds
March 12, 2010
I met Darrell in my first years as an Austin Police Officer in 1979, We both were born and raised in Austin. I went to McCallum and he to Anderson and we had alot in common. We lost touch and ran into each other at a car show in Fredericksburg and it was like we never lost touch. Darrell was a big car show guy, he had a Chevy. I had a Ford. So you know how that went. We enjoy seeing Darrell and Vonnie at the car shows and spending great times with them. We always got a space close to each other. Darrell was a super kind, thoughtful,caring and always kidding fellow.
We and the Car show family will miss him alot. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Darrell and Vonnie. We will leave a space open for you at the next car show.
Tim & Lynda Smith
Pflugerville, TX
March 12, 2010
Dear Yvonne and Family
Though words cannot express the thoughts the heart would like to say, still may you know that others care and sympathize today.
Doug and I hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Doug and Debbie Davidson
Vonnie Burnitt
March 12, 2010
Darrell,
You are the most intelligent, kind, thoughful,loving, funny, funny and funny man I have known. It was a pleasure being married to you!!! Thank you for asking me to be your wife, I loved being married to you!
I love you,
Vonnie Burnitt
Vicki Allen
March 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go to Bonnie and Sheryl and Cal. Darrell was always a joy to be around and never had a negative side to him. He will be truly missed.
Vicki Allen
(Gene's daughter)
Bob Small
March 12, 2010
Adios Darrell, see you later.
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