Woodford Burnett, 92, of Swansea, IL, born Saturday, November 21, 1931, in Louisville, KY, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023 at his residence in Swansea, IL.
Woodford retired in 1990 after teaching and coaching for over 35 years. Most of his career was spent at Belleville Township High School West. Woodford taught many classes but was most known as a Health Teacher. He was also a founding member of the Round Table Breakfast Club. Woodford attended Southwest Mississippi Junior College and Southeastern Louisiana University. He played basketball and ran track at both schools. He was a United States Korean War Army Veteran.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Wife: Frances Rea, nee Weiser, Burnett
- Brothers
- Franklin M. Burnett Jr.
- Alvin B. Burnett
- Douglas H. Burnett
- Sister: Beverly Collins
- Grandson: Eli Sarantakos
Surviving are his:
- Daughters
- Kathleen Burnett of St. Petersburg, FL
- Robin (John) Foubert of Ft. Myers, FL
- Sons
- Jon (Jennifer) Burnett of O Fallon, IL
- Franklin “Blair” Burnett of Tampa, FL
- Grandchildren
- Jenna Sarantakos (Mitch Thompson)
- Aidan Burnett
- Sister: Barbara Jackson of Louisville, KY
- Dear nieces and nephews
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the BTHS-West Athletic Department.
Celebration gathering: Gathering will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home. Private family Interment.
14 Comments To "Woodford Burnett"
#1 Comment By Rob and Joyce (Jamison) Gimenez On December 26, 2023 @ 3:49 pm
We were saddened to hear of Rea’s passing earlier this month and equally so, but perhaps even more acutely, with Woody’s passing so soon after Rea. What a lovely couple they were. They were among our “oldest” neighbors on this street (in terms of years here), and we have fond memories of them always together, always friendly, always interested in the young people of the neighborhood, quick to share a greeting or a few kind words. They were always happy together and they projected that happiness. Our sympathy and deepest condolences to all of their family. – Joyce and Rob Gimenez
#2 Comment By Debbie Dahm Alesaski On December 28, 2023 @ 6:44 pm
So sorry to hear of your parents passing. I seen them all of the time at the Round Table. He also coached me in track at BTHS WEST. He was a wonderful gentle man.
#3 Comment By Greg Beyer On December 26, 2023 @ 7:58 pm
Sorry to hear of Mr. Burnetts passing, he was our teacher in Health Class in 1987, and he was a great teacher. Very patient with our clueless freshmen class, he made a good impression on many students and was a very kind man.
Greg, BTHSW Class of 1991
#4 Comment By Veronica Johnson On December 26, 2023 @ 8:42 pm
Sad to hear. He was a wonderful teacher.
#5 Comment By Tom Dailey On December 26, 2023 @ 11:03 pm
The family of Tom Dailey Sr. will keep your family in our thought and prayers. My father (deceased) was a faculty member and a fan of Coach Burnette. He enjoyed the success that his coaching brought to BTHS WEST. Coach was loved, and Dad thought of him as one of the good ones. Peace and God”s speed coach. Tom Dailey (son) on behalf of the Dailey family.
#6 Comment By Patricia Clayton On December 27, 2023 @ 4:42 pm
Mr. Burnett was my teacher thru my high school years, sorry for ur loss, my prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends.
#7 Comment By Jeff Compton On December 27, 2023 @ 8:43 pm
So very sorry to hear of Coach Burnett’s passing. Had him as both a teacher and coach and I don’t think I ever heard him raise his voice. My condolences to his entire family.
#8 Comment By Tammy Creason Turk On December 28, 2023 @ 7:34 am
So very sorry for your loss. Your dad was a wonderful educator and coach. Always so positive and encouraging. God bless you all as you grieve the loss of your parents in such a short time frame. May they both rest in eternal peace.
#9 Comment By Margaret Lowery On January 4, 2024 @ 3:40 pm
Kathy,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was always such a great person in high school. My thoughts are with you and your family.
#10 Comment By Donna (Marschner) Ream On January 6, 2024 @ 1:24 pm
Kathy, I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of your parents. Sounds like they were wonderful parents. My heart aches for you & your family. Keeping you in my prayers.
#11 Comment By The Wockings On January 10, 2024 @ 9:54 am
Jon & family,
We are saddened to hear of your father’s passing so soon after your mother. They sounded like wonderful people who touched many lives and made a difference as a coach and as an educator.
May happy memories of both your parents bring comfort and peace to all during this time. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family on behalf of the Wocking family.
#12 Comment By David Lee On January 10, 2024 @ 5:28 pm
Woody and I coached against each other many times. It was always enjoyable win or lose. Being remembered as a caring man, teacher and coach is a great virtue. John, you seem to have inherited those characteristics that I observed as you coached my grandson.
#13 Comment By Dr. Christopher K Pyeatte On January 21, 2024 @ 12:44 pm
I had Mr Burnett as a Teacher at BTHS West…He alongside a few teachers at West are the reason I am in Education today. He was an incredible individual and I am so sorry to hear of his passing…My thoughts and prayers are with the ENTIRE family…May Our Precious Lord above comfort you in this time of loss. I will miss him.
#14 Comment By Carole Jones On April 4, 2024 @ 8:57 pm
He was a nice man. Even after I graduated, he was friendly. If I saw him at a restaurant, he would talk with me for a few moments.