Verne Franklin Burkett

Verne Franklin Burkett, 78, passed away at Northwoods Village in Kokomo, Indiana, January 12, 2023. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana on June 2, 1944, to the late Isabelle Burkett and Floyd Webb, later adopted by the late Paul Burkett. Verne graduated from Kokomo High School in 1962. On December 21, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Catron. Verne went on to work his way up the ladder at General Motors, finishing as full Tool Layout inspector, where he designed and modified the tools needed to fix the machines that made General Motors cars. At the same time, he spent many years as a UAW Local 292 Union Representative.

Verne had two loves in his life, other than his beloved wife. The first was his family. Growing up, he would spend many days fishing and camping in Canada and around Indiana, with his brother and father, looking for sturgeon, pike, muskie, and walleye to fill the freezer. He coached and watched his three children, and 5 grandchildren, participate and excel at sports. Summers were spent coaching his daughters’ softball teams at Northwest Park. Fall was for traveling around the country to his grandson's college football games, and in the spring, track meets. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Homosassa Florida, after spending many years vacationing there with their beloved friends. There, they enjoyed the weather, seafood, and fishing the tropical waters for sharks, rays, and sheepshead. The man loved watching Notre Dame football, Pacers Basketball, IU Sports, and Cubs baseball with the family.

His second love was his community. While in Kokomo, Verne became a 32nd degree Free Mason. He was a member of the blue lodge, the grotto, the Scottish Rites, and the Kokomo Shrine Club. As a Shriner, he spent many years serving his community as the Vice President and President. He would organize trips to take disabled children to their appointments at Shriner Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. The Shriners would throw parties and celebrations to make sure the kids would feel special. He loved planning the Haynes Apperson Day Parade and driving the shriner go-carts! He was truly a model citizen and philanthropist.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou (Catron) Burkett; son, Tony L. Burkett; daughter, Tamara L. (Jon) Beasey; nephew, Paul Burkett; grandsons, Quintin J.F. (Nicole) Burkett and Raymond W.O. Monroe; granddaughters, Brittany Burkett, Seaira D. Burkett, and Kassandra T.B. (Robert Satterthwaite) Burkett; great-grandchildren, Emma Walker, Elijah Burkett, Eden Davis, Edgeston Sauve, Mone’y Black, Raven Black, Jeremiah Hayes, Damion Torres, Brilynn White, Adaline Burkett, Abigail Satterthwaite, Atticus Burkett, and Avery Satterwaite; and great-great granddaughter, Miah Ubi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Isabelle Burkett; brother, Ervin (Shirley) Burkett; and daughter, Jennifer L. Burkett.

Following Vernes wishes, there will be a public visitation at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral home, 2097 W Alto Rd, Kokomo, on Monday, January 23rd from 11:00am-2:00pm. The funeral will follow immediately at 2:00pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com for the Burkett family.