Gerald Wayne Burnett peacefully passed on June 27, 2015 in Midland, TX at the age of 83.He leaves behind his wife, Janell Burnett; sons, David Burnett and wife Janna of Monahans, Johnny Burnett and wife Teresa of Monahans; and daughter, Lesa Cain and her husband Sean of The Woodlands. Three grandchildren; Kandace Bolin and husband Mathew of Monahans, JW Burnett and wife Lindley of Midland, and Shelton Burnett of Tomball, Texas. Three great grandchildren; Caitlyne Bolin, Thomas Bolin and Rian Burnett.Gerald was born on June 24, 1932 in Rienzi, MS, to father John Allen Burnett and mother Eugenia Furtick Burnett. He grew up in a large, loving family with four sisters and five brothers. In high school he excelled in basketball and baseball. After graduating in 1951, he attended Delta State University in Cleveland, MS on a basketball scholarship where he was known to “dunk that apple.” In the summer months he played American Legion Baseball in Corinth, MS and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the summer of 1952. He spent time playing in Paducah, KY and then the United States Army came calling.Gerald served honorably in the United States Army from 1953-1955 in Frankfurt, Germany. Upon discharge, he played baseball for the Cleveland Indians farm system in West Palm Beach, Florida.Gerald and Janell moved to McCamey, TX in 1955 where his 30-year career with Dowell began, as did the adventure of raising three children. The family moved to Monahans in 1972 where he served as an Area Sales Manager.Gerald was named Regional Sales Manager for Dowell in 1982 and was transferred to Midland, TX. Gerald retired from Dowell in 1986 and established the consulting firm Burnett, Evans and Hearne.Golf was a constant for Gerald and his family. He calculated that he walked approximately 10,000 miles sharing laughs and side bets with golfers from all over Texas. He has been known to win the round right and left-handed. When shooting his age after 71, that is how he would answer the phone, “I am 71, but I shot 70.”When diagnosed with cancer in 2013, he remained dedicated in his love of golf and family. He remained a humorous, fun-loving man throughout many challenges in the final months.Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and five brothers.Gerald’s ashes will be interred at the family plot in Rienzi, MS. A memorial service will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch on Wednesday, July 1st at 1:00pm, all are welcome. The family would especially like to thank Doctors Manget and Patel for their excellent work and loving care; the staff of Midland Memorial Hospital for their constant, attentive treatment; the staff at United Blood Service and the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, for making the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The American Cancer Society or a charity of your choosing.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
