Freddie Ray Burnett, of Crocker, was born on July 30, 1946, at St. Louis, a son of Fred and Violet Alberta (Stities) Burnett, and departed this life at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, February 10, 2013 at his residence near Crocker. Mr. Burnett had attained the age of 66 years, 6 months, and 11 days.

Mr. Burnett was united in marriage in 1969, at Mattoon, Illinois, to Wilma Jean Armes. He was preceded in death by his wife on January 13, 2012; his father in 1976; his mother in 1962; one brother, Harold Burnett and two sisters, Louise Gilboy and Imogene Stone.

Mr. Burnett was a United States Army veteran serving from November 20, 1964 until November 17, 1967. He was a faithful member of the New Salem Baptist Church near Dixon where he had served as youth pastor, Sunday School Teacher and church bus driver. Mr. Burnett retired from Fort Leonard Wood civil service where he had been a warehouse supervisor, receiving many awards and commendations and took pride in always being to work early. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, leather work, his beloved pets and spending time with his family.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Burnett include: his fiancé, Janet Fritchey, Hancock; three sons and daughters-in-law, Eddie Wayne and Laura Fritchey, Dixon; James and Michaela Rowland, Crocker and Jerry and Marsha Burnett, Springfield; one daughter, Anita Dean, Lebanon; one sister, Janice Hand, Dixon; nine grandchildren, Lindsay, Samantha, Joseph, Tori, Matlin, James, Bethany, Donnie and Tanner; two great-grandchildren, Seth and Dennis; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Burnett at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 13, 2013, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker with Bro. Charles Pentecost, pastor of the New Salem Baptist Church, Dixon, officiating.

Interment with full military honors was held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 13, 2013, in the Fort Leonard Wood Veterans Cemetery, Waynesville, under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Mr. Burnett were Gary Don Wilkes, Ricky Burnett, Rowdy Singleton, James P. Rowland, Joseph Glasscock and Matlin Dean. Honorary pallbearers were Al Stethem, Tanner Burnett and Donnie Koch.