Ernest Burnett
Ernest Lee Burnett was born Nov. 26, 1934, in Kingfi sher to Ernest and Daisey Burnett and passed away Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the age of 89. He was a resident of Norman since 1998. Ernest grew up in Kingfisher. He married the love of his life, Joyce Hicks, on March 4, 1953. They had four children, Randy, Mark, Terri and Kelli.
They moved to Watonga in 1963. After serving several years full-time in the National Guard, he went to work in the grocery business, then the oil field, later at Roman Nose Lodge and at the Hampton Inn in Norman.
He and Joyce opened and ran Stubby’s 7-11 on State Highway 33 in Watonga, which went on to become the first Love’s Convenience Store.
Stubby loved all sports, but especially football. He played right guard at 135 pounds and he called the plays for the Kingfisher Yellowjackets.
He was called the team’s utility man by Coach Bartlett, as he could play nearly any position when the occasion arose.
He was called the football mind of the decade by his coaches and teammates. He graduated in 1954 from Kingfisher High School and they had three all-district players.
Stubby loved babies. It became a standing joke among the family that if a baby wouldn’t go to sleep, you could put them in Grandad’s lap and they’d be out in no time.
He had a special touch. He and Joyce loved their grandchildren. They went to numerous sporting events to watch them compete.
He and Joyce spent many weekends at Canton Lake with their family. We are pretty sure he’s driven a boat a million miles around it pulling kids skiing.
They loved vacationing in Florida with their kids and grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Joyce Burnett; his mother and father, Ernest and Daisey Burnett; his sister Carol Hirschler; his brother Robert “Bobby” Burnett; and his son Paul Mark Burnett.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Randy and Elaine Burnett of Moore, daughter and son-in-law Terri and Wayne Dickson of Tecumseh and daughter and son-in- law Kelli and Roy Adams of Norman; eight grandchildren, Ashlee Burnett, Preston Burnett, Kristy Hicks, Jennifer Surratt, Christopher Dickson, Nathan Dickson, Robert Judson Owens III and Randall Jared Owens; 12 great grandchildren, Darith Shatswell, Clayton Bierig, Colton Bierig, Dessa Khosravi, Tad Surratt, Sophie Surratt, Parker Dickson, Dylan Dickson, Graham Dickson, Maddox Dickson, Jaxon Owens and Makenzie Owens; and six great-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services for Ernest were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Kingfisher Cemetery officiated by Tom Arnold with McElyea & Owens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.