Obituary of Merrill "Dave" D. Burnette

Merrill "Dave" Burnette, 78, of Cass City died Friday, February 21, 2020 at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw. Dave was born on September 27, 1941 in Caro, Michigan. His childhood was spent in Columbia Corners and Hemans, Michigan. Dave enlisted in the United States Army on May 8, 1959 and served three years including overseas tours as a heavy equipment operator. He earned Sergeant ranking during his time of service. He married Ellen "Threse" Burnette on April 25, 1963 and was her loving husband until her death on August 6, 1997. Dave was employed by Williams Detroit Diesel for 38 years as a diesel mechanic until he retired in 2003. He was a skilled mechanic who often went out of his way to help anyone in need. He was known as an extraordinarily kind and generous man and his sense of humor was loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed hunting, going for drives and collecting memorabilia. Most of all, Dave treasured time with his family. He was the best Dad and Papa in this world. Dave is survived by his daughters Jeanne (Jim) Nicol of Cass City; Janis (Scott) Traynor of Troy; son Don (Angie) Burnette of Cass City; 6 grandchildren: Alyssa and Brittany Nicol; Andrea and Rachel LaPonsie; Zack and Zoey Burnette; and sister Violet (Ron) Patera of Deford. He is preceded in death by his son David L. Burnette, parents Louis and Helena Sattelberg, and sisters Mary Richmond and Phyllis Sattelberg. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial luncheon for Dave on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at Novesta Church of Christ 2896 North Cemetery Road, Cass City. Interment is in Elkland Township Cemetery. To sign online guestbook visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com.