Ralph E. Burchett

Mr. Burchett died Monday, Aug. 25, 2003, at Callaway District Hospital in Callaway.

He was born Feb. 11, 1914, in Plattsburg, Mo., the son of Joe and Ollie Belle (Coffman) Burchett. When he was 6 he moved with his family to Lawrence, Kan., where he graduated from high school.

Mr. Burchett began working as a baker at Drake’s Bakery while in high school and later was promoted to manager. He became an interior decorator and worked as a home furnishings contractor for many years.

He worked at Hercules Ammunition Plant in De Soto, Kan., from the 1960s until he retired in 1976.

He was a longtime member of Evangelical United Brethren Church, now United Methodist, in Lawrence, where he served in many offices. He was active in labor unions and served as president of a Lawrence-area union.

He married Rosella Ilene Wilson on Sept. 3, 1936, in Lawrence. She died in 1971. He married Hermeta George in 1976 and moved to Olathe, Kan. They separated due to health reasons in July 2000, and he moved to Arnold. She survives.

Other survivors include a daughter, Nancy Cool, Arnold; a stepson, Dale George, Olathe; a stepdaughter, JoAnn Tarr, Overland Park, Kan.; a grandson; four stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren and several stepgreat-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Arnold Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to Arnold Fire and Rescue or Arnold United Methodist Church, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 37, Arnold, NE 69120.