Harold Robert Burnett

Harold Robert Burnett passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2023. He was born on April 22, 1932, the only child of James Robert and Bryonia Adelia Pearce Burnett in Utica, Kansas. By 1937, the young family moved to Scott City, Kansas.

At age 5 he had a paper route. As a young boy, he also raised chickens and a milk cow. He later began tenant farming in Scott County at age 15 to work his way through college. He earned Eagle Scout.

At Scott Community High School, he quarterbacked the varsity football team and played state-caliber tennis. He later attended Fort Hays State University where he earned an ag science degree, played championship tennis, and served as student body president.

Harold married Jacquelyn Jean Patton of Scott City in 1952. They raised their four children together in Scott County. Harold taught and coached at Shallow Water High School and Scott Community High School. He taught shop, vocational agriculture and all else except for art and English. In his 21-year coaching career, his basketball teams averaged better than an 85% win rate. At Shallow Water, with an average of 21 boys combined in all four grades of high school, his Cross Country program produced four state champions, one national champion, and one national record holder. An entire generation of his athletes to this day simply refer to him as “coach”.

In 1972 to further pursue his lifelong love of agriculture, Harold departed from the teaching and coaching ranks to build and operate feed yards full-time and farm. An outdoorsman at heart, he was a passionate fly fisherman and hunter. While hunting in the Yukon Territory, a grizzly bear charged him and his guide at close range. With seconds to spare, he dropped the bear.

In 2000, he married Bonnie Ledbetter in Scott City, Kansas. In August of 2023, they moved to Great Bend, Kansas. Through his last days with her by his side, he affectionately referred to her as “Bonnie girl”. Their constant devotion and love are an inspiration to us.  

Harold has four children and two stepchildren: Dak Burnett (Pat), M.D., of Kansas City, Missouri; Bradley Burnett (Kim), attorney, of Wichita, Kansas; Greg Burnett (Dolly), CPA of Phoenix, Arizona; and Dion Burnett Harmon, a national sales manager, of Erie, Pennsylvania; Steve Wiles (Marcie), a manager for Dillons, of Hutchinson, Kansas; and Sandi Oberle (Raymond), purveyor of sand and gravel in Claflin, Kansas. Harold and Bonnie share 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild.

Harold was a master storyteller of biblical proportions. Once he had an audience, he was oft heard to say “Just one more quick story.” He loved to explain his basketball offense to anyone who would listen, often rewinding a basketball play on the TV and playing it over and over pointing out nuances that most everyone else could not see. Harold was a lifetime learner.  Once he dug into a new topic, he drilled in deeply until he exhausted it. Born into a family of teachers, he raised his children to be the same.

In his final days, Harold continued to reveal his deep personal character. He remained positive and continued to practice his one-of-a-kind sense of humor and build up those around him. He said, “You may not know this about me, but I have as much faith as anyone.” We all love him and miss hearing his stories already. The man who is larger than life has passed on. Those of us who remain now move forward to carry on. He has prepared us well.

Harold Burnett’s funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Community Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas with Rev. Scott Wagner & Rev. Tyler Ball presiding.

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials to Gentiva Hospices, 1117 Washington Street, Great Bend, Kansas 68530, or Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington Street, Scott City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.