HURST -- Vernon Edward "V.E." Burnett, 89, passed away at his home in Hurst on Wednesday, July 4, 2012, from Alzheimer's disease.
Celebration of life: Will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Hurst, 1801 N. Norwood, with his son, Dr. Jeff Burnett, officiating. Interment: Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville.
Memorials: If anyone would wish, memorials may be made to Happy Hills Farm, Box 1149, Granbury, Texas 76048, or Children's Ministry First Baptist Church of Hurst, 1801 N. Norwood, Hurst, Texas 76054.
V.E. was born at home in Dublin on April 17, 1923, to Vernon Columbus and Annie Snead Holmes Burnett. After graduation from Dublin High School in 1941, he worked briefly at the bomber plant in Fort Worth and then joined the U.S. Navy on Nov. 6, 1942, where he served until being honorably discharged Dec. 13, 1945. During World War II, part of his service was spent in combat aboard the USS Zeilin as a radioman first class. He was awarded the Victory Medal World War II, American Theater
Good Conduct, Asiatic Pacific, four stars, Philippine Liberation, one star, USNR Honorable Service Discharge Button and Discharge Emblem.
After the war he went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. as an unlocated cable splicer working in many towns in West Texas until moving to Hurst in November 1956, with his wife, Betty, and their young son, Jeff. He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. after 42 years of service.
V.E. was ordained as a deacon many years ago by First Baptist Church of Hurst. He taught preschool Sunday school for 40 years. He was also active in Pee-Wee football.
V.E. was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Robert Dale, F.R. "Brother" and Fred.
Survivors: Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty; son, Dr. Jeff Burnett (Jana); daughters, Jenny Newberry (David), Jill Williams (David); grandchildren, Brooke, Blake, Matthew, Sarah, Lindsey and Preston; great-grandchildren, Christian, Natalee and Audrey; and many much-loved relatives and friends.