Joe Wayne Burnett

Funeral services for Joe Wayne Burnett, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Mr. Burnett passed away at 5:45 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at NHC HealthCare.

He was born January 20, 1938, at Jefferson City, Missouri, to Reverend Elbert (Pete) Burnett and Sophia Francis Newberry Burnett.  He was a graduate of West Plains High School Class of 1956.  Mr. Burnett was a veteran, having served with the United States Air Force.  Before his retirement, Wayne had been a truck driver and a diesel mechanic at Earl’s Sales & Service.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, stock car racing and watching NASCAR.  Wayne loved his family and Jesus dearly.  He was a very giving person and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He never knew a stranger.  Mr. Burnett was a member of Center Grove Baptist Church, Moody, Missouri, where he served as a song leader for many years.

He is survived by three children, Debra Burnett, State of California, Terry Burnett, West Plains, Missouri and Kristy Cunningham and husband, Tim, Bourbon, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Brittanie, Jessie, John Wayne, Valerie, Mariah, Tiffany, Cheyenne, Sharla, Bethany and Timmy; seventeen great-grandchildren; one brother, Itsy Burnett, West Plains, Missouri; one sister, Mary Anne Smith and husband, Ron, State of West Virginia; and many nieces and nephews. 

His parents, one son, Ralph Burnett, one sister, Sandra Wheat, three brothers, Larry, Norman and Jackie Burnett and his sidekick, Mackie, preceded him in death.  

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Langston Street Chapel.  Burial will be at McElmurry Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Lodge Ralph Burnett Memorial Scholarship Fund, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.