Robert "Ed" Burnett, age 69, of Iberia, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran's Hospital in Columbia. He was born in Granite City, Illinois, son of the late Rev. Donald and Billie Jean (Rongey) Burnett. On January 1, 2010, in Iberia, Robert married Jennifer Simmons, who survives.

Ed honorably served for 22 years in the United States Army, retiring as Sergeant First Class. During his military service he was stationed all over the world. He was a member and past commander of the Iberia VFW Post 6167, American Legion Post 105, and the Iberia FFA Booster. Ed attended Iberia First Christian Church.

He enjoyed fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks with his friends and was passionate about gardening in the summers.

In addition to his wife, Jennifer, he is also survived by two sisters, Dr. Donna Burnett and husband Greg Blakemore of Hawaii and Mary Elizabeth Burnett of Minnesota; one sister-in-law, Olga Burnett of Texas; special friends, Andrew Keeth and wife Tiffany of Iberia; and numerous nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.

He was also preceded in death by one brother, Lyle "Bud" Burnett.

Visitation will be from 12 (noon) to 1 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 1 p.m., on Friday, June 3, 2016, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Rev. Stan Way will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Ft. Leonard Wood Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Iberia FFA, American Legion, or the Iberia First Christian Church.