Leslie "Les" Arnold Burnett

It is with great sorrow that the family of Leslie (Les) Arnold Burnett announces his passing on November 3, 2024, at the age of 76. Les passed away peacefully at his home in Borden, Indiana. 

Born on August 15, 1948 in Monroe, MI to David Earle and Pearlie Alice Burnett (Stone). Les was one of 19 siblings. At the age of 12 the Burnetts moved to Pekin, IN where Les graduated high school in 1966 from Eastern High School in Pekin, IN. 

After graduation Les moved back to Monroe, MI where he met the love of his life Katherine Bost. The two were married on October 21, 1967 in Maybee, MI at the St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Les went to work at Ford Motor Company at the Monroe Stamping Plant on November 21, 1967 and after completing his apprenticeship was a Tool and Diemaker for 37 years. Les was a proud UAW member of Local 723 and served the membership in many Local Union positions including Plant Chairman 20+ for years. Les took a position on the International Union staff and after a short time returned to the Local and was Chairman again until he retired.

Les was a devoted family man and truly loved every member of his family. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Kathy. They enjoyed many memorable vacations with family and friends. Les loved riding his Harleys, he was an avid outdoors man and loved hunting and fishing with his family. 

Les was a man of faith and was an active member in his Church, the First Christian Church of Borden, IN. Les did not meet a stranger and was considered a father figure by many.

Les is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Kathy Burnett of Borden, IN. Three children: Lisa (Todd) Hillyard of Pattonsburg, MO, Leeann (David) DeSloover of Monroe, MI and Leslie Ty (Morgan) Burnett of Portland, OR. Five grandchildren: Sarah (Jonathon) Rivera, Dylan (Becca) Burnett, Joshua (Claudia) DeSloover, Mathew DeSloover and Isabella Ayala. Three great grandchildren: Isabella, Benjamin and Kaleb Burnett. 

Les is also survived by siblings: Al (Juna) Burnette of Leitchfield, KY, Marilyn Jackson of Borden, IN, Barb Sizemore of Charlotte, MI, Vivian (Donnie) Sullivan of Salem, IN, Russell (Ann) Burnett of Borden, IN, Susie (Stump) Humphrey of Vallonia, IN, Ernest (Rena) Burnett of Borden, IN and John Burnett of Henryville, IN. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. 

Les was preceded in death his parents David and Pearlie, siblings: Harley, Rudell, Eva, Mae, David (Sonny), James (Jimmy), Betty, Larry (Sandy), William (Bill) and Opal.

Celebration of Life will be held Monday November 11, 2024 at First Christian Church in Borden, Indiana at 1:00 P.M. A Luncheon will follow the service at the Church. 

There will also be a Celebration of Life held in Monroe, Michigan at a later date.