Robert Lee Burnett

Robert Lee Burnett was born in Detroit, Michigan to Marvin and Margaret Burnett. He spent most of his childhood in Colton, California. Bob was an adventurous and an outgoing child, excelling as a swimmer with the Colton Marlins. He enjoyed playing little league and being a member of Boy Scout troop 476. His family spent time camping and fishing on the beaches and in the mountains of Southern California and Mexico. In high school he worked for his dad at Marv’s Drive and Dive. He graduated high school in 1971.

After graduating high school, Bob worked building mobile homes in Fontana, California. He used these skills later in life as a contractor and building inspector. He spent years traveling the West Coast by hitchhiking and riding freight trains. He spent two years at Bethesda, a Christian community where he married and had two children, Joe and Meadow. When the two boys were young, Bob moved the family to Orange County.

Bob owned a general contracting business and worked for Genesco. Later he worked for Printronix as a facilities manager. He met and married Betty Mrgudich, and they had twins together, Sam and Esme Burnett. During these years he repaired and resold homes and spent time with his children.

Bob returned to his education and got certified as a Building Inspector, and then worked for the Cities of Laguna Hills and Placentia. He loved his career which allowed him to help others build buildings.

In 2019, Bob was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a cancer of the bone marrow. He continued to work and receive treatment. It progressively affected his sense of wellbeing, and he made the choice to receive a bone marrow transplant as it might help him as well as others in the same situation down the road.

Unfortunately, complications arose, and Bob became very weak. In the wake of his increasing decline, Bob made the brave decision to take a trip across the country. Together with Betty they saw Yellowstone, Teton and Arches National Parks. They enjoyed the beautiful landscapes of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico. They arrived in Austin, Texas, where Bob passed on Memorial Day 2023. He is survived by a family who loves him very much. His wife, Betty, and four children, Joe, Meadow, Samuel and Esme will all miss him. Also, by his brother, Marty, and his father, Marvin. By his entire extended family who cared for him greatly, including his nieces and many nephews. His niece Kalie Sunshine was especially close to Bob and encouraged him throughout his illness.

Bob was many things.

Bob had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He was also extremely handy. He knew several trades very well, and he could figure out how to coordinate many people to complete construction projects. Bob could command a room and he also would teach people how to do things. He could teach people in a way that didn’t feel condescending, and he was able to communicate with people exactly what needed to be done.

Bob loved God very much. He spent a lot of time in church and studying the bible. He read it cover to cover many times. His favorite bible is falling apart due to its frequent use. He was a churchgoing man for much of his life, and Bob was well liked and respected at church. Bob loved helping in church including volunteering for kids Sunday school and VBS.

Bob was a loving husband and father. Esme remembers “my father did not always know how to express love in the way people expected. But he felt it and expressed it in his own way, and he loved us deeply.”

He could at times be stubborn. When he got an idea in his head, it was hard to change his mind. He was more of a doer than a listener. Bob had strong ideals and moral principles. He stuck to his beliefs even when others didn’t agree with them.

Bob was adventurous from birth to death. He loved to play cribbage and taught the entire extended family & friends to play. He loved to fish and hunt, especially surrounded by his good friends. He traveled with his father Marv, Mike and Carl Anthony to the California Sierra Mountains every year. He was a knowledgeable and lucky fisherman, he often laughed saying “I catch, not fish”. He would come home with an impressive catch of trout. Bob was a daring ocean swimmer who could face large waves with a cool head. He loved to go to new places, and to try new foods. Bob taught his children to be brave and love adventure. He was brave even to his death.

Bob was well loved by family and friends. He touched many lives and taught many people lessons they will not forget. He will be missed.

Missed by his extended family members: Marvin Burnett, Martin and Judy Burnett, Jeremy Burnett, Daniel & Kate Burnett, Chris & Jessica Burnett, David Mrgudich, Andrea Simmons, Cante & Adelle, Anthony Mrgudich and Cait Koss, Elise & Ben, Steven & Denise Mrgudich, Ryan & Nathan, Nick & Jessica Fitch, Emma & Cora, Matt & Sarah Fitch, Katie and Chad Hart, Kalie Hart, Peyton and Julie Burnett, Family of John Burnett, Dana, Dorinda and Dorothy, Roberta and lots of other cousins and extended family.

Friends: Eleanor Aquilar, Mikey, Lisa &^ Family, Mike and Bonnie Anthony, Jeanette Cotinola, Frankie and Sydney Cotinola, Diana & Fausto Hinojosa, Nina & Elise, Pam & Paul Ervin, Rachel & Maddie, and other friends and colleagues.

Welcoming Bob in Heaven: Jesus and Bob’s mother Margaret and sister Lori, Betty’s mom Katherine Sunshine and Aunt Brown, Keith and Julia Steele, John Burnett, his son John and other friends & family gone before.

A funeral service for Robert will be held Friday, June 2, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A graveside service will occur Friday, June 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Onion Creek Memorial Park, 11610 Chapel Ln, Austin, TX 78748. A visitation will occur Friday, June 2, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.