Lionel “Lonnie” Burkett, age 74, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020, at his home.
He was born September 10, 1945, in Clay County, the son of Lionel A. and Thelma (Hunley) Burkett. Lonnie married Joyce O’Dell in May 1965, and they celebrated 54 wedding anniversaries. Joyce passed away January 9, 2018.
Lonnie owned and operated the family business, Burkett/Highway 50 Truck Sales for over 40 years. In his spare time he enjoyed dirt track racing, fishing, camping, and seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by 3 sons: Johnny & Linda Burkett of Rinard, David & Tammy Burkett of Xenia, and Jerry & Angie Burkett of Xenia; 9 grandchildren: Terra & Rocky DeWitt of Willow Springs, Missouri, Amanda Schell of Flora, Heather & David Gonzalez of Alabama, Nick & Denise Burkett of Flora, Gary Burkett who is currently stationed in Afghanistan, Elizabeth & Dylan Sill of Omega, Emily & Clayton Plumlee of Flora, Amber Burkett and Jarrett Burkett of Xenia; 10 great-grandchildren: Luke, Logan, Xavier, Xander, Javaughny, Aiden, Hendrix, Desie, Taytum, and Braiden; a brother-in-law: David & Carol O’Dell of Valley View; a sister-in-law: Yvonne O’Dell of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and 3 siblings: Shirley Scarbrough, Robert Dale Tolliver, and Sandy Thompson.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Private family burial will take place at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Xenia. Memorial donations are suggested to assist the family with expenses and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com