Edwin Burtnette

Edwin Hugh Burtnette, age 87 went to be with the Lord on June 15th, 2019 in Nixa, Missouri. He was born August 6th, 1931 in Altoona, Pennsylvania to William H. and Mary Elizabeth Burtnette. He was the youngest of three children. Edwin's father worked for the Railroad as a gang foreman and designed the indoor cabs for train cars. His mother was involved in music, played piano and was a homemaker. Ed enjoyed fishing with his grandfather who taught him. His fond memory of his father was to take long drives after church. He adored time he spent with his mother. His sisters, Lillian and Virginia called him, "Sonny" due to his bright shiny disposition and blonde curly hair. This nickname stuck for many years. Edwin graduated from Altoona High School where he played varsity baseball and was recruited to play for the Philadelphia Phillies. He turned this down as he had plans to join the air force and already had a scholarship. He earned his military sciences degree in the Air Force and was stationed at multiple locations, one of which was Honolulu where he met his first wife, Roberta and they bore 2 children, Lori Ann and Eddie Jr. He was in the air force for 15 years finishing as Master Sergeant. His career continued to move forward, working with IBM to develop computer programs for the air force. He taught at Colorado Air Force Academy as well. After the air force he went on to work for large dealerships all over the country, developing computer programs as a financial analyst. One of his fondest memories including speaking at a conference with President Ronald Reagan. He eventually remarried to Patty Sue Neel and bore one child, Patty Marie. Edwin and Patty were married for 40 years. Edwin loved to travel around the country in the RV with his family. He eventually settled in Missouri and continued to do financial consulting work locally until he was no longer well enough to do so. Ed loved to talk to people. He enjoyed football, country and opera music, family gatherings with plenty of barbecue, and good conversation. He cherished his family and loved life. Ed is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Virginia and Lillian. He will be remembered as an outgoing, intelligent and peaceful man who loved his family. He is survived by his former wife, Patty, his children, Lori Ann Soltas (Virginia), Edwin Burtnette Jr. (California), and Patty Marie Wilson (Nixa, MO). He is also survived by nine grandchildren and one great grandchild whom all he adored. Edwin will be greatly missed. He was very appreciative of his friends at Integrity Hospice as is his family. There will be a short service at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, with military honors on June 19, 2019 at 3pm with a memorial dinner to follow at The Bridge church in Nixa, Missouri at 5pm.