Charles Robert BURKETT

BURKETT, PARSONS, MORTON, CARPENTER, MOSIER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 3/17/2007 at 19:53:27

Charles Robert Burkett of Pine St., Paw Paw, MI passed away Friday, March 16, 2007 at LakeView Community Hospital, Paw Paw. Charles was born May 7, 1927 in Dowagiac, MI, the son of the late Frank and Marion (Morton) Burkett. He was a 1945 graduate of Dowagiac High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II obtaining the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1946. He received his B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1951 and a M.A. degree at the University of Michigan in 1956 and also received his Certification in Social Work from Western Michigan University. He taught speech and drama at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, before moving with his family to Paw Paw, MI. In 1967, he joined the staff of Kalamazoo Valley Intermediate School District, as a school social worker. Later he served the migrant program in the summer in Van Buren County. He and his wife also acted as foster parents for two high school boys who needed assistance in achieving a high school diploma. His greatest source of joy and pride was the founding of the Paw Paw Village Players of which he directed many of its productions during the 39 years it has been in existence, and also played several leading roles. After retiring from the KVISD staff, he worked at selling real estate and salvaging old houses, screening DUI drivers for the court and serving as a guardian ad litem for the court. Charley was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw since 1960. He was also a member of the Paw Paw Village Players and the Wyandotte Community Theater. He was a member of the Michigan School Social Workers Association, the Michigan Education Association and the Paw Paw Educational Association. He loved gardening, antique restoration and real estate renovation.

On August 1, 1952, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, Charles was united in marriage to Mary Doran Parsons, who survives. Also surviving are four children, James (Mara) Burkett of Portage, MI, Daniel (Liz) Burkett of Kalamazoo, Thomas Burkett of Paw Paw and Martha (George) Burkett of Portland, MI; 11 grandchildren, Nathaniel, Carson, Marian, Maxwell, Gabriel, Elyse, Blake, and Tara Burkett, Luke Kula, Zach and Emily Carpenter; sister, Doris Mosier of Kalamazoo; many nieces and nephews. As per Charley's request his body was donated to medical science at Michigan State University, East Lansing. Family will receive friends Monday (3/19) 4-7 PM at the fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw where a memorial service will be held Tuesday, 11 AM with Rev. Tom Abbott, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Paw Paw Village Players. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.

Kalamazoo Gazette (MI)
March 17, 2007