Leonard Ray Burnett entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday February 12, 2009.  He was born in Robstown, Texas on August 1, 1939 to Henry and Lena Burnett.  As a young child he moved with his family to George West where he grew up on a farm and was taught the value of hard work.  He was a graduate of George West High School.  In 1955-1956, while in High School he earned his FFA Star Farmer Degree of Area X. In 1957 he attended Texas A&I University of Kingsville where, in 1961, he earned a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Education.  While a student at A&I, Leonard met the love of his life, Mary Walker. The two were married June 23, 1962 in Three Rivers, Tx. After marrying, the two moved to Sinton, TX, where he spent the remainder of his years.  He had many wonderful memories of teaching at Sinton ISD for over 15 years.  For 12 years he served on the Board of Directors for the Region 2 Educational Service Center.  Later, he was co-owner of Custom Machine Shop of Sinton. He helped revolutionize the rolling stalk cutter in order to help farmers with debris management. This later brought him to another co-founding business of FARMCO Tractor Company. This venture involved resale of Allis-Chalmers brand of farming equipment. This acquisition allowed him to teach his eldest son the business of joint partnerships by creating a custom harvesting business.  In addition, the partnership with his eldest son allowed him to once again teach the entrapanural dynamics of business and agriculture to his youngest son at the tender age of 8 years old.  The love for his children was greatly shown as he never missed a track meet for his daughter, sometimes driving from the ranch and returning in the same day.  He taught his children how to show love, be loved and to give unconditional.  This milestone in life would teach his children how to be self motivated and successful in any endeavor they faced.  Everyone who knew him knows how extraordinary and ingenious he was. However, his greatest passion was hunting. Once again he was able to turn his passion into a full time career by being a Hunting Operations Manager for the Nunley Brothers at The Junco Ranch for over 20 years.  The thing that brought Leonard more joy than hunting was taking his granddaughter to the ranch to help him with cattle round up, feeding the cattle, and having Taylor drive him around on the golf cart.  Being Papa to Taylor, Ada, and McKenzie brought him more happiness than anything else. If you wanted to see him smile, all you had to do was mention one of his granddaughters’ name.  He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1998. He displayed his strong positive will and fought this dreaded disease. He taught us all the true meaning of living life despite its complications. In 2005, Leonard was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a very painful cancer.  Through his courageous battle with cancer his spirit remained strong but his body grew weak.  Although his life on earth has ended, we rejoice in the Lord that he met his Heavenly Father pain free and peacefully.  His legacy will continue in the heart and lives of his family and friends.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 46 years,  Mary.  His son Kyle and daughter-in-law Becky of Lathrop, CA.  His daughter Cheryl Gallagher and son-in-law Jason of Beeville, TX.  His son Travis and daughter-in-law Sandra of Odem, TX.  He is also survived by his 3 granddaughters Taylor Elaine Gallagher, Ada Lillie Burnett and McKenzie Rae Burnett.  One Uncle, E. H. Grote of Pearsall and an Aunt Rosie of North Carolina.

Leonard was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sinton, TX.  Visitation will be held from 6-9 PM Saturday, February 14th, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton, TX; www.resthavenfunerals.com.  Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Sunday, February 15th, at First Baptist Church in Sinton, TX.  Interment service will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Robstown, TX.

The family would like to thank M.D. Anderson in Houston for 10 years of care and support.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Edna Gladney Home in Ft. Worth, Tx (Cheryl's Birthplace), American Cancer Society or South Texas Children's Home in Mineral, TX.  All who wish to do so are invited to the home of the Burnett's for food and fellowship after the services.

Click here to view the Life Tributes video.

Click here to view the Life Tributes website for Leonard Ray Burnett.