Burl Lee Burkett

The community lost a great man on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Buryle Lee Burkett was born on December 23, 1946 in Jay, Oklahoma to Grelie and Grace Burkett. Buryle quickly shortened his name to “Burl”. Burl was an auctioneer whis-bang on whatever was necessary at the time. A you got to love him kinda guy. Known for his ability to wheel and deal anything and everything to make money. He could fix and repair whatever was needed. His careers included; an auction business, heavy equipment operator, semitruck owner and operator, and rancher. Burl was always ready to help anyone in need with advice or manual labor. Burl’s manor was rough and tough, but his heart quickly melted by the children in his life. His lap was full of love and the kids put a smile on his face. He was known as a friend, neighbor, Papa and Poppy. Burl married the love of his life, Carla Burkett on May 17, 1991. They met in 1988. Carla and Burl have made a wonderful life in Durant, Oklahoma. Burl loved to fish and hunt. One of his favorite places was his hunting cabin. Burl’s childhood nickname was “Blue Dog” but later was shortened to “Blue” because of him coon hunting with blue dogs. He is preceded in death by his parents, Grelie and Grace Burkett; stepfather, Leroy Townsend; infant son, Burl Lee Burkett Jr.; brothers, Darrell (Coony) Burkett, James (Japers) Burkett and sister, Billie Faye. Survivors include his loving wife, Carla Burkett; five children, Angie McIntosh, Tonya Smith and husband Steve, Scott Burkett and wife Cheryl, Ryan Wickersham and wife Stacy, and Darren Wickersham and wife Keisha; six siblings, Travis Burkett, Ben Burkett, Noel Burkett, Nona Mendez, Ona Mae Strain, and Eva Dean Brzier along with multiple grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Burl was surrounded by many great friends and neighbors. Special thank you to Rhonda Rose for writing the obituary and poem. Graveside services to honor Burl’s life will be held with at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Boswell Cemetery with Tommy Rowland officiating. Darrell Burkett, Brandon Wood, AJ Burkett, Elvis Burkett, Jessie Strain, and Shane Cross will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Harley Cross, Dub Dillard, Huck Nelson, Bob Johnson, and Huel Bowman. The family will accept friends Friday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at brownsfuneralservice.com Services are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.

Burl Lee Burkett

December 23, 1946 - September 3, 2019