Vernon Joseph "Pete" Burnett, 84, of Holton, KS passed away August 25, 2013 at Vintage Park. He was born November 27, 1928 in Hiawatha, KS the son of Charles Jennings and Maude Alice (Mink) Burnett.

Pete had lived in the Holton community since 1955 and had previously lived at Baker, KS. He proudly served in the Army National Guard for 27 years. Pete was a mechanic for Cox Implement, Symon's Truck and Tractor and Phillips 66. He worked for USD 336 and had driven school buses for Holton Schools for over 20 years. Pete was a reserve police officer, volunteer fireman and worked for the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Holton.

He married Mary Jean Gibbs on September 17, 1949 in Hiawatha. She preceded him in death on March 6, 2006.

Survivors include his 4 daughters, Nancy Wessel of Goff, Pam Burnett, Jeanne Burnett and Belinda Cashman all of Holton; 3 sisters, Donna Bowers of Junction City, Tillie Bailey and Helen Melster both of Hiawatha; his brother, Paul Burnett of Topeka; 6 grandchildren,11 great- grandchildren and a special friend, Elsie Polson.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with military honors will be in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Relay for Life c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.