He was born in Jefferson City, MO on August 29, 1943 to Elmo and Gladys Burnett. He grew up in New Bloomfield and graduated from New Bloomfield High School. Billy married Marilyn S. Walker on September 1, 1967 and one son blessed this union.
Billy started his career in sales in sporting goods at Montgomery Wards in Jefferson City, MO. He was industrious and later purchased Farm Power Lawn & Leisure in Columbia, MO, providing high quality tractors and mowing equipment to the mid-Missouri area for more than 46 years. The success of the store allowed Billy to travel with Marilyn to numerous destinations, including Mexico, which Marilyn loved.
Although business was a priority, Billy also loved playing golf, raising cattle on his farm, spending time with family, and playing cards with friends. He always put others before himself and was the first to offer a helping hand. Billy was a member of Olivet Christian Church, where he attended regularly. He was a member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was also a big supporter of the Voluntary Action Center, Boone County Fair 4-H, and the Cancer Research Center.
Billy is survived by his son, Travis (Yolanda) Burnett, of Columbia, MO; his sister, Carolyn (Nike) Thompson of Jefferson City; two brothers, Bob Burnett (Anna) of Boonville, MO, and Doug (Sharon) Burnett of Hartsburg, MO; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmo and Gladys and his wife, Marilyn in 2003.
Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia MO from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Funeral services will be held at the New Bloomfield Christian Church in New Bloomfield, MO on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11:00 am with burial following at the New Bloomfield Cemetery. Services will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page at Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory, and Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia.
A good man has passed away and will be missed by all.
