A resident of Baker, La. And native of Jayess, Ms. went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. He was 81 years old. He is survived by wife, Linda Burnette; Son, Kiah Burnette; Sister, Sharon Grace Merriett; Granddaughter, Kialeigh Burnette and Great granddaughter, Jayden Zalson and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Geraldine Rogillio Burnette; Daughter, Tabithia Burnette Granger; his first wife, Phyllis Burnette; Grandsons, Logan Granger and Blake Zalson; Brother, Mike Burnette. Visitation will be Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 1 pm until service at 2:30 pm at Life Tabernacle Church, 9323 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, La. Burial will be at New Bethel Church Cemetery, 88 New Bethel Rd, Jayess, Ms. at 6p.m. Arrangements by Church Funeral Services of St. Amant, La.
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I have so many wonderful memories of “Brother Dan”! He and Sister Phyllis, as well as Linda. I will never forget precious Tabby and little Logan as well. I just learned about Blake’s passing. I am sure you are rejoicing in heavenly places today, together forever. I’m so very sorry for your loss,Linda. Praying for you. The last time I saw you both was at my daughter’s wake, in Baker. I appreciated you both coming.
Uncle Dan is remembered by our family for his warmth and hospitality, a hearty laugh and sense of humor that belied what sometimes appeared to be a gruff exterior. His heart was as tender as a lily petal.
I came down for a visit as part of a business trip to New Orleans back in 1987. Dan, his wife Phyllis, and I were talking outside where I was reluctantly taking my leave. The crickets were throbbing in the night air and there was a breeze. Suddenly a killdeer could be heard chirping out the distinctive, “Kill deer, kill-deer!” Phyllis and I exchanged comments on how compelling the song was breaking over the other night sounds. Dan gave a quizzical look and said slowly, “I don’t hear any crickets or birds.” Phyllis assured him they were there, just listen closely. He narrowed his eyes for a moment, then turned to us with a stern, irritated expression. “I don’t hear no birds or crickets. And I don’t think you do either! I think you just hear the ringing in my ears!!” It took a moment to register then I began to laugh. Softly at first, then so hard I had to grab my knees to keep from falling on the ground. He maintained that harsh, accusing expression for several more seconds before slowly relaxing into a broad, loving grin. It remains one of my favorite moments ever.
Unhappily we were obliged to come down as a family just a couple years later to attend the funeral services held for the unexpected death of his beautiful daughter, Tabby, and her beloved son, Logan. While there, we experienced once again the Burnett gift for welcome and unrestrained hospitality. A particularly poignant bond formed between him and our daughter, Guenever, who reminded him of Tabby during her tween-age years. It was a time of mourning but also of family bonds made stronger than ever.
Events have conspired to keep us from seeing much of each other since then, but the bonds have remained as a background of comfort. Knowing we would always be welcome should we ever make our way down there again. Knowing that he was keeping on keeping on, loving God and his family with fervor and perspective. I will miss him. But I know we will meet again.