Bernard Wallace Burnett

BURNETT, Bernard W., fondly known as Barney, and BW, died on October 10, 2011 at the age of 90. He was born on May Day 1921 in Bristol, Tennessee. The family moved to Dayton when he was a young boy and he graduated from Roosevelt High School. He worked as a letter carrier in Dayton from 1948-1974. Barney volunteered for service in the Army Air Corp. in WWII. He served with the 98th BG(H), 343 Squadron, from 1941-1945. He was decorated 12 times, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and a European Theatre Medal with four campaign stars. Upon return, he courted Thelma Wise, a pretty lady at the roller rink, which resulted in a loving marriage of 52 years. An only child, Barney enjoyed that Thelma was the youngest of eleven children and treated her siblings as his own. Barney’s love of people and creatures was always apparent and fun for his kids who had pet ducks, along with a family dog. His fatherhood years featured annual road trips with daily stops for ice cream. Barney was a Cub Scout pack leader from 1959-1962. He always knew what treats would bring a big smile to his granddaughters’ faces. A lifetime Mason, Barney was a Grand Master at Alpha Lodge in Kettering, and most recently affiliated with Waynesville Lodge No. 163. An avid bowler, Barney enjoyed many leagues for 60 years, including the Postal-Federal Employees, which he helped bring to Dayton. He won the Gold Medal at Ohio’s Senior Olympics. Eventually bowling became recreational and was accompanied by donuts and coffee. Barney was exceedingly fond of his two generations of teammates. Barney is survived by his son, Barry M. Burnett; his daughter, Barbara Burnett Vater; his granddaughters Christa Ernst, Ruth Vater, Katherine Vater, Skye Burnett; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter; and loving wife Thelma. A celebration of life will be held at Routsong Funeral Home, 81 North Main St., Centerville, on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 2:00pm. You are invited to attend in person to tell stories of Barney. Memorial contributions may be made to the Area Agency on Aging, 40 W. Second Street, Suite 400, Dayton, OH 45402 or Hospice of Butler and Warren County, 5940 Long Meadow Dr., Middletown OH 45005. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.

Funeral Home:
Centerville Routsong Funeral Home
81 N. Main St.
Centerville, OH
US 45459