Billie Eugene Burnett

Billie Eugene Burnett, age 87, peacefully passed away on July 25, 2025, at AdventHealth of Ottawa, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 13, 1937, in Ottawa, Kansas, he was the youngest son of Otis (Jack) and Lottie Phillips Burnett.

On May 21, 1956, Billie married the love of his life, Shirley Darlene Wadkins. Together, they shared a fulfilling life, raising two children, Dannie Eugene and Teresa Renee, on their farm north of Ottawa where they tended to cattle and horses. While farming was his true passion, Billie was a man of many talents, willing to explore diverse careers. He held various jobs throughout his lifetime, including delivery boy for the Kansas City Star which he delivered twice a day on his bicycle unless the weather was bad then is dad would hitch up horses and take him to deliver them. Some of the memories shared by Bill of his youth included fond memories of him and his brothers learning to box as the Ottawa’s Boys Club, and their participation in tournaments sponsored by the Golden Gloves Boxing Organization. He worked for Willis Nursery as a teenager. He worked for the U.S. Geological Survey during construction of Cheney Reservoir. He worked maintenance at Ottawa University in the 1970’s as an electrician and plumber. Bill ran heavy equipment during construction of the flood control project in Ottawa. He also worked as a Hod carrier, Bert Ross Quarry, Weidman Tire, Franklin County, and the City of Ottawa to name a few. Bill retired in 1994 from Olathe Public Works, where he served as a road foreman.

Billie was not only a loving husband and father but also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; as well as his children, Dannie Burnett (wife Annette) and Teresa Wehrle (husband Ed); grandchildren Abbi, Megan, Tiffani Majors (husband Dwight), and Joseph; and great-grandchildren Haylei, Ashton, Casey, Shelby, Bentley, Lillian, Braylon, Lyla, Raelyn, Railey, and McKenzy; nephews Justin Wadkins (Amanda Brock), Braxton, and Brady-“Bill’s pickup crew”.

Throughout his life, Billie had a passion for watching westerns and listening to old country music. He was fond of participating in weddings and parades with his carriage and draft horse “Bud”. Always busy, he liked everyone to follow along, not always what we wanted to do, but he was like a rollercoaster taking you along.

Billie was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers Otis Jr., Roy, Bob, and Clyde, and sisters Ruth, Katie, and Pat. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the indelible mark he made on the lives of his family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on August 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM, both taking place at Dengel & Son Mortuary, located at 235 S Hickory Street, Ottawa, Kansas. His inurnment will take place on August 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Highland Cemetery, 1050 East 15th Street, Ottawa, Kansas.

Billie's contributions to his family and community ensure that his memory will live on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

To share your memories of Billie or to send a special condolence message to his family, please visit the guestbook below.