Phillip Gene Burnett

Phillip Gene Burnett, 77, of Springfield, passed away on January 4, 2017 and reunited with his wife (Tillie) in Heaven where sickness and sadness are left behind. Phillip was a life-long resident of Springfield, the son of Harold M. and Margaret McKinzie Burnett. He married Tillie L. Small in 1958. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Tillie in May; and his brother, Harold of Brea, CA. Phillip attended South Side Christian Church. His schooling included local area public schools, Allied Institute of Technology in Chicago and Springfield Jr. College. Phillip retired as the Executive Secretary/Treasurer and General Manager of the Mid Central IL Regional Council of Carpenters. In his time at the union, he served as Financial Secretary, Business Agent, and President of Carpenters Local Union #16. Phillip was very active in making his city a better place to live. He was elected to the first Springfield City Council represented by Alderman. Phillip represented the people of Ward 3 and served as mayor pro tem. He served on the Board of Directors for the Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield Mass Transit District, and United Way; and chaired a number of International Union Teams and local committees. Phil was a long time member of Ansar Shrine, Elks Lodge #158 and the Aqua Sports Club. He had a wide variety of hobbies including cooking, hunting, fishing, traveling, and spoiling grandkids. His holiday dinners drew friends and relatives from all over the country. He is survived by his children, Gene L. Burnett of Newburgh, IN, Jeff Burnett (wife, Ruthann), Debbie (husband, Frank) Carroll, and Drew (wife, Jackie) Burnett, all of Springfield, and Dave Burnett of Birmingham, MI; fourteen grandchildren, Angie Dant, Adam Codd, Alex Burnett, Ashleigh Knudson, Zack Burnett, Kelsey Burnett, Andy Carroll, Ben Carroll, Jake Carroll, Mackenzie Burnett, Rachel Burnett, Seth Boner, Ross Boner, and Sarah Mcneely; and ten great-grandchildren. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Pastor Brooks Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.