Family News

News from the Burkett Family Reunion, held on Saturday, September 10, 2005 in Goldthwaite, Texas.

by Sharon (Burkett) Fleming

The Texas Burkett’s (with a few out-of-state visitors) met on Saturday, September 10,  2005. Goldthwaite, TX was again the site of the Reunion that has been going on for many years. We were a little short on relatives this year; whether due to the extremely high gas prices or Hurricane Katrina it was hard to say! There were also a couple of health crises going on and we would ask you to keep Elam Miles and Della Lou (Burkett) Geeslin in your prayers.

There were about 20 in attendance ranging from 87 year old Burkett Massey to 2 year old Jonathan Fisher Burkett! A great time was had by all and plans are in the making to change this reunion from the “Mills County” Burketts to the Texas Burkett Reunion to encompass every Burkett we can contact! More information on that will be forthcoming soon.

We also were fortunate to have a basket made by Kat and Verdi Andrews to present to a lucky winner. He turned out to be Bob Massey from Shreveport, LA. Bob is Burkett Massey’s son. Thank you so much Kat and Verdi for sharing your talents with the Texas bunch!

We were saddened by not having Oliver and Audy with us this year. Oliver and Audy have been with us for the last several years. This year both just were unable to attend but Oliver sent the best possible replacements….Buddy and Jo Anna Burkett from Huntsville, AL. We all enjoyed visiting with them and really are planning for them to return for next year’s reunion. If you haven’t had a chance to meet Buddy and Jo Anna, you are in for a treat! Oliver told me I would love them, and I did!

We did get a lot of family history discussed and met some folks we had not met before. Jeremy J. Burkett, (Joe Pat Burkett’s son, Jake Burkett’s grandson, Edgar Burkett’s great-grandson) and his girlfriend, Cindy McDonald, from Los Angeles, CA flew in just for this event. We were proud to have them take the time and expense to attend. I think there were several email addresses exchanged and the family history will be flying over the internet soon!

Be watching this site for more information on a newer, larger TEXAS BURKETT REUNION for 2006!

Have a wonderful day!

Sharon Burkett Fleming

News from the Burkett Family Reunion, held on Saturday, June 11, 2005 in Huntsville, Alabama.

by Jo Anna & Buddy Burkett

    A wonderful time was had by 46 Burkett family members at the Meridianville Middle School on June 11th.  The "Coveted Burkett Reunion 2005 Basket", made by Kat and Verdi Andrews, was won by Mildred Banks and Mildred graciously gave it to Joe Burkett - our visitor from Texas. A picture of "the basket" was posted on the Burkett Family Reunion 2005 Page at the Burkett Family web site (www.burkettfamily.org/huntsville_2005.htm).  Below are some pictures from the reunion for your viewing pleasure.  We enjoyed having you, Joe, and hope that you will return soon.  Some are already planning to go to the Texas reunion in September.

    To those who were unable to attend this years reunion - we missed you and hope that illness did not prevent you from doing so.

    Marvin Oliver Webb announced that plans are moving forward for the Burkett Family to enter into an agreement with Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee for the University Library to be the recipient and custodian for Burkett Family records and information, including photographs, legal documents (such as Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates, deed copies, and other important records) that the Burkett Family Members have accumulated to date, including the great newsletters that Marvin Oliver Webb, our family historian, has published! Vanderbilt's responsibility will be to maintain the records and information into "perpetuity" for use in further Burkett Family research and other associated activities.  Access will be limited by the agreement to bona fide researchers including among others, Local, State, and National Historical Societies, Historical Commissions, and other responsible parties.

    Further work is being carried out by Joe Burkett III to investigate and establish a Burkett Family Trust or Foundation to oversee Vanderbilt University Library responsibility and establish, maintain, and administer a scholarship fund for use and benefit of the direct descendants of Henry Burkett Sr. & Mary "Polly" Epley Burkett. Scholarships would be awarded on a scholastic merit basis. A board of trustees, comprised of volunteer members who are the direct descendants of Henry Burkett Sr. & Mary "Polly" Epley Burkett, would be appointed under the terms of the trust agreement, with responsibility to manage the trust for the Family's benefit. Funding for the trust will be through donations by interested parties. As this concept develops further, postings will be made on the Burkett Family Web Site for consideration, family input, and comment.

Have a wonderful and safe day!

Jo Anna & Buddy Burkett

Click Here for Pictures and More Details!

Engagement and   Wedding Announcements

Mr. & Mrs. Hunter L. Burkett - July 30, 2005

"Marsha", Mrs. Vincent Lavallee (mother of the bride); Mrs. Katheirne Burkett; Mr. Hunter L. Burkett; and Mr. Vincent Lavalle (father of the bride).	Mr. & Mrs. Hunter L. Burkett - July 30, 2005 At the alter!	Dr. & Mrs. Joseph W. Burkett III - July 30, 2005 Parents of the Groom

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent J. Lavallee, Jr. of Alpine, Texas are pleased to announce marriage of their daughter Katherine Renee Lavallee to Hunter Leopold Burkett, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Burkett III and the late Sharon Ann Burkett, all of Fredericksburg, Texas. The wedding was held at the First Baptist Church on Saturday, July 30, 2005 in Alpine, Texas.

Information updated 5 August 2005 by Joe Burkett III
 

Site Administrator

Joe Burkett III, DVM

198 Jockey House Lane

Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

Phone: (830) 997-6587

FAX: (830) 990-8386

E-Mail: jwburkettiii@burkettfamily.org