Robert Burnette

Robert Eugene Burnette, 88, of Rockford, passed away in his home on August 16, 2022, ... or as he would say, - "that’s a roughie"... he finally got down to the nitty-gritty - and that’s that.  He was surrounded by his family or as he liked to call them...his little "Whipper Willows " He was born on May 24, 1934, in Freeport, IL; the son of Russell Burnett and Nellie Viola Huebner. He served in the US Navy and was docked at one time in Cuba. He married the love of his life, Sharon Lynn Middleton, on December 15, 1966, in Rockford and lived up to his marital vows of “til death do us part” when Sharon passed away in 2007 and continued to consider himself "married" instead of single all the way up to his passing on August 16. Robert worked as a machine operator and retired from Atwood at the age of 71. He rode his bike to work most days unless the weather was bad. He attended Riverside Community Church. He loved sports, especially the St Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. He enjoyed fishing, reading western books, and watching western movies. He donated blood religiously and gave many gallons over the years.  He also really enjoyed a good home-cooked meal.
He is survived by his children Terrie (Erick Lanier) Middleton, John (Candy) Rhoades, Jr., Rhonda Vyborny, Sara (Daniel) Bross, and James (Heather Morrison) Burnette; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Gerald (Betty) Burnett; nieces and nephews Russell Burnett, Peggy Magnuson, Charles “Duke” (Betty) Thompson, Roy Thompson, Dereck Pumilia, and Candy (Paul) Rizzo. He is predeceased by his parents; stepfather Harry Rosander; wife Sharon; daughter Tammy Burnette, grandson Dustin Rhodes; siblings James Burnett and Mary Ann Thompson; and niece Linda (Tony) Pozzi. A memorial service will be at 2 pm, Saturday, August 20, 2022, in Breakthrough Church, 415 N. Church St. Rockford, IL 61103 with Pastor Everett Bross officiating. Memorials may be given in Robert’s name to his grandson Chace Scarpetta. The family would like to thank Northern Illinois Hospice for all their care and concern. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Rd., Loves Park, IL. www.statelinecremations.com