Sylvester Van Burnett

Sylvester Van Burnett, 86, of Danville, died at 11:00 pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at Provena USMC in Danville. He was born January 9, 1919 in Breese, IL and raised in Gillespie, IL the son of George and Jesse (Schulte) Burnett. He married Elizabeth Ann Betty Kelly on February 13, 1944 in Danville, IL. She survives. He is also survived by: four sons- Michael Van (Maureen) Burnett of Danbury, CT., George (Debbie) Burnett and Joseph Mark (Lori) Burnett both of Danville, IL., Robert William (Amy) Burnett of Naperville, IL; Two daughters: Mary Ann (Kenneth) Miller of Oakwood, IL. and Patricia June (Bill) Schultz of Germantown, TN. One sister June Ann Janulavich of Indiana; 21 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Sylvester graduated from Gillespie High School. He served in the Army during World War II and the Korean War. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 32 years retiring in 1979. He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church of Danville. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, AARP, NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees), Golden Ks, St. Vincent DePaul. He volunteered at the Vermillion County Nursing Home, delivered meals on wheels, and was a Red Vest volunteer. Sylvester was also an avid Notre Dame and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 61 years, as well as to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.