Leroy Chester Burnett

Leroy C. Burnett, 78, died November 2, 2011, after a short illness in Hanford, CA.

Leroy was born December 28, 1932 in Hope, Arkansas, to parents, Howard and Della Burnett. He moved to California at an early age and attended local schools. He went to work at a young age working in the agricultural fields of the San Joaquin Valley picking such crops as grapes and cotton. On July 31, 1951, he joined the United States Navy and served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Harry E. Hubbard DD 748 during the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge in June 8, 1954. In 1955 he met and married Barbara Trammell. They had three children, Donald, Katherine, and Ryan.

After his military service, Leroy became a plumber. He was a member of the Plumber and Steamfitters United Association Union Local 246 since 1960. He retired in 1988 as the shop foreman for Headliner Plumbing Company, Inc. in Fresno.

Throughout his life his interests included spending time with family, camping, fishing, trips to the Central Coast, watching NASCAR and football, and following politics. In particular, he was a fan of the St. Louis Rams and Fresno State football.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Burnett of Hanford; his children, Donald Burnett and wife, Leana; Katherine Hughes; Ryan Burnett and wife, Kay; grandchildren, Melissa Richter, Kristin Richter, D.J. Burnett, Ian Richter, Lauren Burnett, and Matthew Burnett; great-grandchildren, Rylyn Burnett and Gabriel Richter; sister, Sylvia Carroll, and numerous nieces and nephews. Leroy was preceded in death by his father, Howard Burnett; mother, Della Burnett; brother, Carlton Burnett; and grandson, Stephen Richter.

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-5591. A Celebration of Life reception will be held following the services.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society; 1443 W. 7th Street, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-6616.

PEOPLE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL

501 N. Douty Street

Hanford, CA 93230

559-584-5591

www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com