Harold Robert Burnett, Scott City
April 22, 1932 – November 1, 2023
Harold Robert Burnett passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2023. He was born April 22, 1932, the only son of James Robert and Bryonia Adelia Pearce Burnett in Utica, Kansas. In 1937, the young family moved to Scott City, Kansas.
At five years old, he had a paper route. As a young boy, he also raised chickens and a dairy cow. He then began farming in Scott County at the age of 15 to pursue his college education. He earned Eagle Scout.
At Scott Community High School, he quarterbacked the varsity football team and played national-caliber tennis. He then attended Fort Hays State University where he earned a degree in agricultural science, played championship tennis and served as student body president.
Harold married Jacquelyn Jean Patton of Scott City in 1952. They raised their four children together in Scott County.
Harold taught and coached at Shallow Water High School and Scott Community High School. He taught business, vocational agriculture, and everything else except art and English.
During his 21-year coaching career, his basketball teams averaged a winning rate above 85 percent. At Shallow Water, with an average of 21 boys across all four high school grades, its cross country program has produced four state champions, one national champion and one national record holder. Even today, a whole generation of his athletes simply call him “coach”.
In 1972, to pursue his lifelong love of agriculture, Harold left the teaching and coaching ranks to build and operate full-time feedlots and a farm. An outdoorsman at heart, he was an avid fly fisherman and hunter. While hunting in the Yukon Territory, a grizzly bear charged him and his guide at point-blank range. With seconds to spare, he dropped the bear.
In 2000, he married Bonnie Ledbetter in Scott City, Kansas. In August 2023, they moved to Great Bend, Kansas. During his last days with her by his side, he affectionately called her “Bonnie girl.” Their constant dedication and love is an inspiration to us.
Harold has four children and two stepchildren: Dak Burnett (Pat), MD, of Kansas City, Missouri; Bradley Burnett (Kim), attorney from Wichita, Kansas; Greg Burnett (Dolly), CPA of Phoenix, Arizona; and Dion Burnett Harmon, national sales manager, of Erie, Pa.; Dillons principal Steve Wiles (Marcie) of Hutchinson, Kansas; and Sandi Oberle (Raymond), a sand and gravel supplier in Claflin, Kansas. Harold and Bonnie share 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild.
Harold was a master storyteller of biblical proportions. Once he had an audience, he was often heard saying, “One more quick story.” He loved explaining his basketball offense to anyone who would listen, often rewinding a basketball game on television and replaying it over and over again pointing out nuances that almost everyone couldn’t see . Harold has been a lifelong learner. Once he took up a new subject, he delved into it until he exhausted it. Born into a family of teachers, he raised his children in the same spirit.
In his final days, Harold continued to reveal his deep personal character. He remained positive and continued to practice his unique sense of humor and develop those around him. He said, “You may not know this about me, but I have as much faith as anyone. » We all love him and already miss hearing his stories. The man who is larger than life has died. Those of us who remain move forward to carry on. He prepared us well.
Funeral services for Harold Burnett will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023 at Community Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Scott Wagner and Rev. Tyler Ball officiating.
In lieu of flowers, we have suggested memorials to Gentiva Hospices, 1117 Washington Street, Great Bend, Kansas 68530, or Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington Street, Scott City, Kansas.
Burial will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.
Order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold Robert Burnett, please visit our florist.
