Byron Burkett

Byron Lloyd Burkett, age 94 of Norman, left to be with his wife and his Lord on May 30, 2019. Byron was born April 2, 1925 in Lexington, OK. He was the youngest of five children born to Roy Burkett and Ollie (Wilhite) Burkett. Byron graduated from Lexington High School in 1943 and on Aug. 11, that same year he enlisted into the U. S. Army. Byron proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII where he served in the 70th Trailblazer Infantry Division as a Staff Sargent, fighting in France and Germany. Byron married the love of his life, Bonnie Lee Taylor and together they raised four children, Mary Beth, Robert, Byron and Thomas. Byron spent his career working for Southwestern Bell as a Lineman and Repairman. After retiring, he drove cars for multiple dealers in Norman and then drove trucks for McCoy Tree Surgery. Byron was a kind, caring and helpful man, loved by his family and neighbors. He loved working with wood and was a very handy carpenter. He built a house at Lake Texoma that he and his wife enjoyed for many years. He enjoyed time in his vegetable garden and loved his two dogs Precious and Oscar. With his strong desire to be with other war veterans, he looked forward to attending Thursday meetings at the Veteran's Corner in Goldsby. He was well regarded and respected by the Veterans there, and they enjoyed his stories from WWII. He was an Assistant Scoutmaster at Troop 226 and took his three sons on numerous weekend camp outs and summer camps at Slippery Falls. It was not uncommon to hear him called either "Papa Bear" or "Hot Water" by the Boy Scouts. He is still remembered and respected by many of his Scouts today. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Bonnie Taylor Burkett; one son, Robert Burkett; one daughter, Mary Beth DeHeer; two brothers, Thurman Burkett, Bobby Burkett and two sisters, Maxine Allen and Helen Luttrell. He is survived by two sons, Byron Burkett and his wife Alice of Drumright, and Thomas Burkett of Norman. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Dr. Travis Burkett of Cushing, OK; Jennifer Burkett of Edmond, OK; David Burkett and wife Kristen Burkett of Norman, OK; Tami Tinney of Noble, OK; Laura DeHeer and wife Andrea DeHeer of Rome, GA; Christopher DeHeer and wife Jessica DeHeer of San Antonio, TX; Patrick Burkett and wife Dr. Lisa Kohler Burkett of Fairview, TX; Brandon Burkett and wife Christina Hanson of Madison, WI; Zachary Burkett of Tulsa, OK; 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell. Interment will be at the Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, OK. Memorials may be made to the Goldsby Veterans Center, P.O. Box 722160, Norman, OK. 73070. Send online condolences @wilsonlittle.com