KEVIL — Billy Joe Burnett, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:10 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013, at Western Baptist Hospital after an extended illness. He was born September 20, 1927, in La Center to Bert Monroe Burnett and Minnie Mae Mungle Burnett. He and his wife, Ruth, were lifelong residents of McCracken County.

He was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Newton Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and on many committees before his illness.

He was a member of the American Legion and Iron Workers Local 782 for over 60 years. He served in the United States Army during World War II and received the WWII Victory Medal.

Billy Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth Skinner Burnett. He is also survived by one sister, Lyda Mae Dowdy of Kevil; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Minnie Mae Burnett; two brothers, Van and Pete Burnett; and four sisters, Bennie Lee Roberts, Pauline Holt, Mattie Long and Marie Porter.

Visitation for Billy Joe Burnett will be held at Morrow Funeral Chapel of Kevil on Wyatt Avenue, Monday, January 7, 2013, beginning at 12 until 2 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday with the Rev. Wayne Carter officiating. Interment will follow at Newton Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Kevil.

Pallbearers will be Paul Steele, Brent Warford, Bill Warford, Tommy Price, Tommy Nace and Wayne Wray.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Burnett to the Newton Creek Puppet Ministry, 12800 Ogden Landing Road, Kevil, KY 42053.

Morrow Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.