Gerald T. "Duke" Burnett

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Jane Carol Gregory Burnett; and his parents, Tom Burnett and Maggie Hawkins Burnett.

Duke is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Hartlage (John), Patricia Burnett, and Kelly Clark (Troy); three grandchildren, Kimber Hill (Treg), Greg Carter (Joy), and Alex Geller (Corey); two great-grandchildren, Maddie Grace Hill and Olivia Jane Hill. Duke also had three step grandchildren, Kristen Tekin (Yasar), Sarah May (Richard), and Briana Crowder (Joe); Patty’s exchange student/daughter, Sarah So.

Duke is also survived by three sisters-in-law and many cousins, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Along with loving life, Duke embraced many adventures throughout his 93 plus years. He taught school, served as a middle level principal, coached basketball in Trigg County and then started his own businesses. First, owning and operating “Dukes” E-town Sporting Goods, then Home on Mulberry and Awards and More.

Duke loved our Lord God and was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church for most of his life. He was born and raised in Elizabethtown, however spent 9 years in Trigg County. He loved his time in western Kentucky.

Duke had many interests which included, telling his stories, his card group, being a sports fan, playing golf, traveling cross-country with friends & family, coaching, running his businesses, and teaching Sunday school.

Some of the special times in Duke’s life were being inducted into the Trigg County Athletic Hall of Fame and he helped to start the Elizabethtown Athletic Hall of fame and eventually was inducted.

Duke lit up the room according to his three daughters, with his humor & love for life. He will be deeply missed.

The funeral is at 2 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown with Pastor Neil Janes officiating.

Burial follows in Hardin Memorial Park.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, April 17th and continues after 1:00 PM on Saturday until the time of service at the funeral home.

Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown Kentucky will oversee the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hosparus Health of Central Kentucky would be appreciated.