Vernon Lee Burkett

Vernon Lee Burkett, age 74 of Piqua, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022 at the Soin Medical Center.  Vernon was born in Dayton on January 5, 1948 to the (late) Carl Eugene Burkett and Leah (Nies) Richardson; a graduate of Covington High School, Class of 1966; a US Air Force Veteran serving during 1966-70 and also in the U.S. Army National Guard; retired from Buffalo Jack’s Restaurant, Covington with 25 years of service; previously worked as Manager at Little Caesars Pizza, Piqua and Troy Sunshade (Hobart); baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Covington; a Life Member at the American Legion A.B. Cole Post #80, Covington; enjoyed fishing, bowling, and playing poker; lifelong avid fan of the Cleveland Browns; he also enjoyed watching TV, playing video games on the computer, and playing with his grandchildren.  Preceded in death by his parents; two step-fathers, Robert Kelzenberg and Clarence Richardson; daughter, Rhonda Lynn Burkett; sister, Robbin Renee Kelzenberg; brother-in-law, Tom Stahl; and his beloved dogs, Duke, Jersey, and Gizmo.  Vernon is survived by his wife of 53 years 3 months and 3 days, Lenora Eileen (Burnam) Burkett; his three children, Tammy Jo Sherman of Piqua, Todd Allen & Nikki Burkett of Clayton, OH, Rusty “Rus” Lee & Suzan Burkett of Odessa, TX; 12 grandchildren, Dayna Small & fiancé, Justin Kemp, Lee & Kasey Small, Boston Sherman, Emma Burkett, Evan Burkett, Christopher Okos, Jonathan Mohler, Samuel Mohler, Phoenix Del Bosque-Gonzales, Aubrey Landis, Alyson Sherman, & Melanna Jackson; three sisters, Pamela Stahl, Barbara Lear, and Patricia Bixler, all of Piqua; brother, Bob Kelzenberg of Piqua; his pet dog, Max; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Funeral Service 1:00 PM Wednesday with visitation from 11:00 AM until time of service at Bridges-Stocker-Fraley Funeral Home, Covington.  Interment Miami Memorial Park Cemetery, Covington with Military Honors provided by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.stockerfraley.com.

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