Paul E. Burchett

He was born on October 13, 1937, in Decatur, IL, the son of Paul O. and Margaret V. (Kerr) Burchett. Paul married Esther Dean on September 22, 1961, in Rome, NY. She preceded him in death, on April 13, 2024.

Paul graduated with the Mt. Auburn High School class of 1955. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, earning the rank of E-7 Master Sergeant. While in the military, Paul attended SIU-Carbondale, IL, earning an associate’s degree in religious institution management and a bachelor’s in education in 1979. He went on to work as an assistant manager at Pizza Hut from 1978-1982; at Church’s Fried Chicken from 1982-1987; and lastly as a clerk with USPS, from which he retired. Paul was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed working with people and collecting coins and baseball cards.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Vernon Burchett; and two sisters, Dorothy May Hornback and Phyllis Elston.

Paul is survived by his son, Paul E. Burchett II of Hattiesburg, MS; daughters, Brenda K. Burchett of Champaign, Mary S. Burchett of Springfield, and Lori A. (Doug) Badgley of Buffalo, IL; grandchildren, Blake Owen Badgley of Mechanicsburg, IL and Samantha Renae Badgley of Buffalo, IL; siblings, Joyce Burchett of Mt. Auburn, IL, Linda (Tom) Vono of Springfield, Robert L. Burchett of Springfield, Richard A. (Paula) Burchett of Mt. Auburn, IL, Virginia Swiney of Collinsville, IL, and Mary Ann Workman of St. Petersburg, FL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, with Rev. Thad Peacock officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Illinois Foodbank, 1937 East Cook, Springfield, IL 62703 or by visiting https://centralilfoodbank.org