Charles Jon Burkett, Sr., 76, of Detroit, formerly of Waterloo, died in Detroit, Friday, August 26, 2011, of natural causes. He was born March 5, 1935, in Waterloo, son of Phillip and Edwina Burton Burkett. He married Leen-Ella Hodges in Waterloo, and they later divorced. Mr. Burkett was formerly employed at Rath Packing Company and the University of Northern Iowa. He also was a U. S. Army veteran. Survived by: two daughters, Chevonne (Preston) Burkett-Jackson and Valerie Campbell, both of Detroit; three sons, Charles, Jr. of Detroit, Raymond Eugene of Waterloo, and Phillip Howard of Federal Way, Washington; twenty-four grandchildren; and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by: a son, Robert Earl; and two sisters, Denise Stovall and Claudett Burton. Services: 11 a.m. Friday at Payne Memorial AME Church, with burial in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the church. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 138 and VFW Post 1623. Sanders Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Memorials: may be directed to the family at 416 Sherman Avenue, where they will receive friends.
Copyright Waterloo Courier on-line edition; downloaded August 31, 2011.