Obituary of David E Burkett

David E. Burkett journeyed to his heavenly home on February 22, 2018 with his family by his side. David was born May 31, 1945 to Eugene and Fannie Burkett in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. They relocated to Washington where David attended Eatonville High School; where he graduated in 1963. He married Marla Scott in 1966 where they lived in Puyallup, Washington, later moving to Shelton where they raised their four children. They had two daughters Rebecca Burkett and Kathy Burkett-Helser, two sons, Paul Burkett and John Burkett. David loved the Lord; he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was a great provider, faithful to his family and dedicated to his jobs. David came to Shelton to work for Simpson Timber; he also worked as a welder before he went to be a correctional officer at Washington Correction Center where he received a medical retirement after 15 years. Dave was an oil painter leaving his family many pictures to treasure. He also loved working with wood, making lots of different items for family and friends, even selling a few at yard sales for others to enjoy. After retiring he went to work picking up aluminum cans for profit and to help clean up the county. It kept him feeling useful and it was good therapy and exercise. David suffered with Parkinson’s for 30 years, as the disease caused his body to slow down he was forced to give up the things he loved to do. Still in high spirits he would often tease the staff that so graciously took care of him, often teasing the fish lady about the fish she did not catch, and enjoying Bible stories from the story lady. They had names but he would ask for the fish lady or the story lady. One of his favorite times was playing games with the grandkids on Nintendo, or play station. He had great respect for his children and grandchildren. In our 51 years of marriage we didn’t do a lot of vacationing but we did have some very memorable trips including Hawaii, Oklahoma, North Carolina and a couple to Alaska. David treasured all the old bible hymns, many he remembered his mother singing. As David and Marla traveled she would often sing those hymns, when she would stop, David would ask what happened to his radio. David loved his very large family! He is survived by his wife of 51 years Marla Burkett, his two brothers Jerry & James Burkett, his two sisters Kay Stenbeck & Patricia Watkins, his four children, Rebecca Burkett, Paul Burkett, John Burkett, and Kathy Helsen, 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and several very special step grandchildren and many other children that consider David and Marla grandparents. He has many nieces and nephews each having a special place in David’s heart. Although David will be missed by many, we are blessed to know he is with the Lord, free of pain and suffering. Viewing will be Saturday March 3, 2018 at 11:00-12:30 at McComb & Wagner Funeral Home, with a Memorial Service following at 1:00 pm at Gateway Christian Fellowship. After the service the Graveside Service will be at Shelton Memorial Park at 2:00 pm. There will be a reception following the graveside back at Gateway Christian Fellowship.