Jack Burnett

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Jack Leslie Burnett, 67, of Chaffee died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Nov. 8, 1952, to the late Mary Frances King and Jack T. Burnett.

He served for 47 years as a second-generation funeral director and co-owner of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapels.

On Aug. 18, 1973, he married Cynthia Marian Hess. Together they raised their daughter, Jessie Marie, who is married to Jeff Sanders; and their son, Samuel King Burnett.

His greatest joy was their grandchildren, Conner Michael, Adrianna Rose, Landon Perry and Addilyn Grace. Jack also leaves behind in Sikeston, Missouri, one sister and a brother-in-law, Jane Burnett (David) Pfefferkorn; four nieces; three great-nieces; and three great-nephews.

Jack was an active community supporter serving in many capacities. However, his life calling revolved around work with grieving families in their time of personal loss. He formed many close relationships with pastors through the years of funeral work, many of whom came to visit him during his last days of hospice care in his home.

Jack fought the good fight following a serious illness 21 years ago. His ability to find joy through it all enabled him to overcome multiple challenges and numerous surgeries. Family and friends know it was Cindy's sacrificial caregiving that carried him through one battle after another.

As with other lives, the entire narrative is never fully revealed until the composite stories are woven together by the Great Author, so it has been with Jack's true legacy. He touched us with his humor, his laughter, his compassion and his need to connect relationally.

Jack was called home in the early morning hours by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With the assurance his family was resting for the night, he folded up his tent and slipped away, having kept the faith and fully ran the race.

Friends may call after 3 p.m. Tuesday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel, with the Rev. Bob Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.

In lieu of flowers, Jack's wife and children have requested memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennesee, or to Mission Missouri Esther House, a women's recovery house in Sikeston.