Bernard Burnett

Bernard B. Burnett, 86, beloved husband, father and friend passed away on February 23, 2023 in Alamogordo, New Mexico.  He was born on November 25, 1936 in Springfield, Illinois to Rollie Burnett and Ethel Bullard Burnett.

Bernard grew up in Springfield, IL and attended University of Illinois, in Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and also received a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering after joining the joining the United States Air Force. He had a diversified career with varied occupations and duties including monitoring missile launches during the Vietnam War, working on the development and testing of missiles, and ultimately becoming the commander of Holloman’s Balloon Branch.

Living in many places like Okinawa significant travel opportunities to places like Alaska were part of the unique career lifestyle of the air force. While stationed in Great Falls, MT he met and was married to his wife Sharron for 57 and half years.

Upon retirement from the military in 1978, after 21 years of service, he and his family chose to remain domiciled in Alamogordo. At that time he decided to start his own business in farming and the development of a pecan orchard. For 44 years, as sole proprietor he planted, raised and maintained more than 1,400 pecan trees in addition to growing alfalfa hay on large portions of the property.  He also purchased and restored many vehicles, which was not only a hobby, but a passion aligning with his mechanical engineering background. Bernard was known to be able to build, install, or repair almost anything, invoking his skills and enthusiasm for design and problem solving in many areas.  In his leisure time, Bernard enjoyed camping and hiking with his family, riding motorcycles, skiing and many other outdoor activities. He also enjoyed reading of world events, politics and had an avid love of music in many genres including opera.  

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sherry Burnett, and daughters: Jennifer Burnett and Lucinda White and husband Gary White; two grandsons, Jonathan and Lucas White; and his brother, Gerald Burnett. 

The family will greet friends on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 10 am-11:00am at Grace United Methodist Church.

A Funeral Service will be held in his honor on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM also at Grace United Methodist Church with Pastor Kelly McCuaig officiating.

Pallbearers include: Gerald Burnett, Gary White, Steve Reay.

The Burnett family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct funeral services.  To sign the online register book, please visit https://scenicchapel.com/.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernard Burnett, please visit our floral store.