Leon Burnett

Leon Burnett, born on July 15, 1951, in Proctor, Arkansas, to Alex and Willie Mae Burnett (née Moore), was the fifth of fifteen children. Leon attended Central High School in South Bend, Indiana, and went on to serve two years in the Navy and two years in the Army as a cook. He later made his way to Indiana and settled in Warsaw, where he lived for many years.

He was a family-centered man whose life was deeply rooted in his love for his family and the relationships he built over the years.

Leon was married twice. From his first marriage, he was blessed with three children: Tirus Burnett, Lyonte Taran Burnett (Trinette), and Lyonte Tyrell Burnett (Lawana), along with stepchildren Lwanda (Tang) Lee and Rayvon Lee.

On December 24, 2009, he married his beloved wife, Brenda Joyce Childress.

The two met in 2003 and shared 26 years together. Although they had no children together, Leon lovingly embraced Brenda's children as his own: Sharron Steward (James), Cherrice Payne (Jacque), Tarharka Payton, and Maya Payton.

On April 5,2026, at 9:42 pm, Leon lost his battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his loved ones.

Leon leaves behind a large and loving family, including 35 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews who were a source of great pride and joy in his life.

He is also survived by his sisters, Louise Diggins, Brenda Adams, and Josephine Burnett, and his brother, Robert Burnett. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, and five brothers.

Leon Burnett will be remembered for his sense of humor, love of cooking and fishing, his strength, and his dedication to family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation for Leon will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 10-11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church of Oswego, 3065 E Armstrong Road, Leesburg, Indiana 46538. Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Clif Burritt officiating. Burial with Military Honors at Oakwood Cemetery, Legion Circle # 3 Warsaw, will follow.

Memorials in his honor may be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Oswego, 3065 E Armstrong Road, Leesburg, Indiana 46538.