Mr. Joseph M. Burnett

December 04, 1917 - April 26, 2011

Joseph M. Burnett, 93, of North Vernon, passed away on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility in Columbus.

Born December 4, 1917, in Otway, OH, Joseph was the son of David and Eva Newman Burnett. He married Gladys Euton on June 29, 1940. She preceded him in death on December 30, 1997.

Joseph worked as an engineer and fireman for B & O Railroad until he retired in 1972. He was awarded Railroader of the Year in 2010, and was the fireman on the last passenger train between St. Louis and Cincinnati. Joseph was a member of Masonic Lodge #59. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and outdoor activities.

Mr. Burnett is survived by two sons, Dr. William Burnett and his wife Beth of North Vernon and Rodney Burnett and his wife Jeannie of Burlington, NC; sister, Freda Shumacher of WA; grandchildren, Jennifer Compton, Colin Burnett, Laura Burnett and David Burnett; step-grandchildren, Marianne Branham, Chris Branham and Sarah Branham; great grandchild Ayden Compton; and step-great grandchildren Chloe Hatton, Andrew Hatton and Clark Branham.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Burnett is preceded in death by his parents; 7 sisters, Blanche Arthur, Betty Motteshard, Sarah Rapp, Nellie Fought, Dollie Cooper, Mary Jones and Ethel Thompson; and two brothers, Jack and Everett Burnett.

Funeral Information

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 3:00 pm at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Vernon Cemetery.

Donations Information

Memorials may be made to the Tara Montgomery Burnett NVE PTO Scholarship Fund.