Raymond Lee Burkett

Raymond Lee Burkett, 61, Othello, Washington passed away February 12, 2010 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 2, 1948 in Porter, Oklahoma to Randolph and Elsie (Buster) Burkett. His family immediately moved to California to work in the crops that were ready for harvest. The family moved a lot so he wasn't able to finish his secondary education. Later in life he had a strong desire to finish his education. He attended Big Bend Community College, Moses Lake, Washington to successfully earn his G.E.D. Raymond and Janet were married November 18, 1967 in Sayre, Oklahoma. They first met in a cotton field in California when Janet was fourteen and Raymond was sixteen. Three years passed before they tied the knot. Born to this union were two daughters Cynthia and Sandy. Raymond and Janet had 42 wonderful years together. A few years after their marriage they traveled to Othello to work picking cherries and later apples. When they first arrived they camped and later moved into town. In 1973 Raymond began working for Kent Farms, then McKay farms and later for Darrell Dixson. He eventually begin working for Land of Lakes and after 25 years he retired. Raymond took a job with Adams County Consolidated Waste for a few years after retiring from Land of Lakes. During his growing up years Raymond loved to climb trees. Later some of his main interests were hunting, fishing, skeet shooting and playing on the Land of Lakes softball team. He especially enjoyed flowers, roses and zinnias were his favorite. He loved watching the Hummingbirds when they gathered by their porch. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, brother LeRoy and sister Barbara.

He is survived by his loving wife Janet, daughters, Cynthia Burkett and Sandy (Michael) Callahan; brothers, Buddy (Betty) Burkett, Charles (Linda) Burkett, Richard (Pat) Burkett, James (Fanny) Burkett, Larry (Judith) Burkett and Johnny(Julie) Burkett, sisters, Nita Ketter and Linda Piscitelli, a brother-in-law, Howard Bias, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Viewing and Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2010 between the hours of 4:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. and again at 10:00a.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2010. The funeral service will be at 11:00a.m. All services will be held at the Othello Four Square Church, 90 Venice St., Othello, Washington. Burial will be at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens, Othello. Danekas Funeral Home, Othello has been asked to care for the arrangements. Please visit the online guest book and leave a note for the family at www.danekasfuneralhome.com.