Paul and Norma Burnett

Paul Eugene Burnett, 97, formerly of West Des Moines, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at the Rowley Memorial Masonic Home in Perry, IA. Norma Jean Burnett, 92, formerly of West Des Moines, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Perry Lutheran Home Eden Acres in Perry, IA. A celebration of their lives will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 2021 at McLaren's Chapel in West Des Moines with entombment following in Resthaven Mausoleum.

Paul, the youngest of three brothers was born to Samuel G. and Letha Bowman Burnett on July 3, 1922 in Newcastle, IN. After graduation from high school he served as a Pharmacist Mate in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theatre of operations during World War II. After the war, he attended Ball State University and later met his future wife Norma Jean Burns. Paul and Norma were married on June 5, 1948 in South Bend, IN. Paul worked as an insurance underwriter in Indiana and Colorado before being transferred to Iowa, where he and his family resided in West Des Moines. Paul also worked as an auditor for the state of Iowa before retiring in 1984. Paul enjoyed taking his family camping, hiking and fishing. He also enjoyed grilling chicken and taking trips to Branson, MO with Norma to enjoy the musical performances. He enjoyed reading or listening to Louis L’Amour westerns along with Tom Clancy and Randy Wayne White adventure novels. Paul was active in the Boy Scouts and a long time member of the Men’s Group at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church.

Norma, an only child, was born to Minor and Ermal (Bordner) Burns on November 11, 1928 in South Bend, IN. She learned to play the violin from her father at a young age and she continued to play for many years. After graduation from high school, where she was elected prom queen in her senior year, she attended nursing school. She met her future husband Paul Eugene Burnett while roller skating and they were later married on June 5, 1948 in South Bend, IN. Norma took pride in being a stay-at-home mom and helped raise four children. She later worked as a media assistant for many years at the Crestview Elementary School library in West Des Moines. She was active at the West Des Moines Methodist Church and sang alto in the church choir. She was an avid book reader and was a big fan of Sue Grafton and Agatha Christie. Norma enjoyed vacationing with her family and taking trips to Branson, MO with Paul for the musical performances. She also was a regular participant in ladies water class and always looked forward to the monthly birthday lunches.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Letha, his brothers Howard and Herman and his son Tracy. He is survived by the love of his life Norma whom he always kissed goodnight, his children Scott (Paula) Burnett of Cape Coral, FL, Ruthie (Marty) Ingersoll of West Des Moines, IA and Gaile (Doug) Linn of Littleton, CO, his grandchildren Justin (Jen) Krohn of Adel, IA, Erica Barkey of Clive, IA, Jordan (Alison) Krohn of Des Moines, IA, Ian Burnett of Olive Branch, MS, Megan (Shawn) Trujillo of Bullhead City, AZ, Katelyn (Dustin) Ingersoll of Kailua-Kona, HI, Ross (Dani) Ingersoll of Urbandale, IA, Kirsten Ingersoll of Des Moines, IA, Courtney (Brandon) Larson of Lakewood, CO, Aaron (Stephanie) Linn of Littleton, CO, Noah Linn of Ft. Collins, CO and Jo (Jeff) Townson of Oakland, CA. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents Minor and Ermal, Paul, her husband of 71 years who passed away in May of 2020 and her son Tracy. She is survived by her children Scott (Paula) Burnett of Cape Coral, FL, Ruthie (Marty) Ingersoll of West Des Moines, IA and Gaile (Doug) Linn of Littleton, CO, her grandchildren Justin (Jen) Krohn of Adel, IA, Erica Barkey of Clive, IA, Jordan (Alison) Krohn of Des Moines, IA, Ian Burnett of Oxford, MS, Megan (Shawn) Trujillo of Bullhead City, AZ, Katelyn (Dustin) Ingersoll of Kailua-Kona, HI, Ross (Dani) Ingersoll of Urbandale, IA, Kirsten Ingersoll of Des Moines, IA, Courtney (Brandon) Larson of Lakewood, CO, Aaron (Stephanie) Linn of Littleton, CO, Noah Linn of Ft. Collins, CO and Jo (Jeff) Townson of Oakland, CA. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren.

We thank staff at Moments Hospice and Eden Acres for their kind and compassionate care. We also thank Barb Dirks and the rest of the Caring Hearts Home Care team who went above and beyond in their care of Paul and Norma which allowed them to stay in their home for many years.

Memorials may be directed to the West Des Moines United Methodist Church or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.