Jerry L. Burkett

Jerry L. Burkett, age 81, of Henderson, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, February 7, 2026, at his home in Henderson.

Jerry Lavaughn Burkett was born on August 10, 1944, in Logansport, Louisiana, to the late Wright Burkett and Mittie Lee Strong Burkett. He graduated from Logansport High School with the Class of 1963, where he was an accomplished football and basketball player. Known for his outgoing personality, Jerry was well liked and popular among his classmates.

Following high school, Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. During his service, he was stationed in Germany before being honorably discharged.

Jerry married the love of his life, Betty Atwood, on October 31, 1980, in Ottawa, Kansas. Together they shared more than 40 wonderful years of marriage before her passing on February 6, 2021. Jerry spent his career in the pipeline construction industry, where he formed many lasting friendships. He took great pride in his work and was especially proud to have been part of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline project.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille and John Harvey and Jo and Glenn Settle, and by his stepson, Clyde Conway Jones, Jr.

He is survived by his beloved companion, Jacque Hunter; daughters, Kelly Burkett and Jerri Kay Albritton; grandchildren, Christy Ogden, Joy Rhiddlehoover and husband Jimmy, Kaylee Avila and husband Jose, and Lexi Joy; great-grandchildren, Landon Rhiddlehoover, Reagan Rhiddlehoover, Savanna Ogden, Jesse Ogden, Jentzen Ogden, Brenton Kade Mazzola, and Radek Manning Avila; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a host of friends.

A funeral service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Deadwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Clifford Hughes, Anthony Harvey, Mike Harvey, Keith Cagle, Curtis Hughes, Joseph Cline, Bosco Hennigan, and Eddie Settle. 

Honorary pallbearers are Jim Boone, Darrell Johnson, Harry Furlow, Larry Furlow, Wayne Barber, Weldon Maitland, and Tootie Hendricks.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.