Roy Burkett

Roy Burkett, 81, passed away surrounded by family on July 1, 2021, at Memory Care Center in New Braunfels, Texas. Roy, or more affectionately known as PawPaw, was born October 27, 1939, in Bon Weir, Texas, to Charlton and Calla Burkett. Roy enjoyed growing up alongside his 4 siblings, Linda, Loyce, Connie, and Donald. 

After graduating from Beaumont High School in 1958, Roy joined the United States Air Force and where he proudly served the US from April 1959- January 1963. Roy carried this passion for aircraft and flying for the rest of his life. He would eventually become a member of the Experimental Aircraft Society where he attended as many “fly-ins” as he could. In 1973, Roy started construction on a Skybolt Airplane (which will have more land miles than it ever will air miles as it traveled with the family across the globe).

In 1964, Roy married Mickie and welcomed his daughter, Rhonda, into the world. He also attended and graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Lamar Technology. Roy and the family moved to Houston where he took a job with Reading and Bates. In 1974, shortly after having made the move to Houston, Roy’s intelligence blended with exceptional work ethic allowed the family the opportunity to relocate to Singapore where he served as a Construction Project Manager. With the completion of this project, the family was relocated to Brownsville to oversee another rig construction project. After an 18th month stint in South Texas, the family moved back to Singapore. Other locations Roy’s work allowed the family to live and enjoy included Malta, South Africa, and Argentina. Roy became self-employed in 1985, serving as a consultant on various rig construction projects. In 2014, Roy retired and enjoyed “flying” down the open roads on his Harley Davidsons and working on his airplane. It’s an understatement to say that Roy loved his Harleys. He was the proud owner of 3 of them throughout his lifetime. 

Unfortunately, Roy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014. He fought the disease with the same tenacity and determination he tackled everything in life with. His last years were spent in Seguin, Texas, enjoying time with his daughter and her family.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Charlton and Calla Burkett.

Roy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mickie Davis Burkett – Seguin, Texas. His daughter and beloved son-in-law, Rhonda and Kenny Dracoulis – Seguin, Texas. His granddaughters, Konni Williams and husband Galen – Marion, Texas; Kendra Dracoulis and Jesse Clifton – Seguin, Texas. Siblings, Linda Burkett Flanigan and husband Preston – Lumberton, TX; Loyce Burkett Stephenson and husband Mitchell – Beaumont, TX; Connie Burkett Preston and husband James – Savannah, GA; Donald Burkett and wife Donna- Kingwood, TX. And lastly, Pixie, Roy’s 4-legged best friend.

A gathering of Mr. Burkett’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with his funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087.

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