Davis Burnett, Jr

Davis Burnett Jr. passed on February 1, 2016 in his sleep. Davis was born on May 31, 1927 in Pueblo, Colorado to Davis Burnett and Alma Juanita Burnett. The family eventually moved to Whittier, California where he attended Whittier High School. Davis was elected the high school President his senior year.

Davis joined the Army in 1945 and served in the allied occupation forces in Italy. He returned home in 1947 and married his high school sweetheart, Judith Ann O'Toole. In 1950 Davis was assigned to South Korea and fought in the Korean War. In 1955 Davis served as an advisor to the Iranian army in Tabriz. He returned stateside and spent 3 years at Ft. Lewis, Washington and through OCS became a 1st Lieutenant. He attended Infantry Officer basic course at Ft. Benning, Georgia and after that assignment attended the University of Nebraska graduating with a B.A. Next came the Army War College. In 1960 he was assigned to the Presidio in Monterey, California and learned Spanish as a prelude to an assignment to the USARCARIB School teaching South and Central American Officers Infantry tactics. During his assignment there he achieved his goal of traveling throughout the countries of that area and made many friends. In 1965 he was assigned as an aide to the commanding general of the OAS forces fighting in the Dominican Republic. He retired in 1972, having held each rank from PFC to Lieutenant Colonel. Davis' decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantry badge. In civilian life he served as Executive Vice President of Fiesta San Antonio.

Davis loved collecting coins and authored three books on the coins of South America, including "Half Dollars of Colombia".

He is survived by his son Mike Burnett, daughter Kelley Burnett and three grandsons Jonathan Wylie, James Wylie and wife Becky, Daniel Berger and two great-grandchildren, Morgan and Luke Wylie. Davis is preceded in death by his loving wife Judy, daughters Linda Chrissa Neal, and Karen Lynn Berger and grandson Maximiliano (Max) Burnett.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE WITH CAISSON

FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 19, 2016

9:30 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

1520 HARRY WURZBACH