Vernon J. Burkett, Jr., of 432 U.S. Rte. 224, Sullivan, passed away quietly at his home on October 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Born on August 10, 1929 in Wellington, Vernon lived in the Wellington, Huntington and Sullivan areas his whole life. He was retired from the Sullivan Post Office where he served as Post Master for 30 years. Vernon was also the creator and owner of Little Brian's Pizza, which he ran for 15 years. He served as a Control Tower Operator and Staff Sergeant in the Air Force from November 27, 1947 to November of 1951. Vernon also served on the Sullivan Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and was a member of the Sullivan Lions Club. Besides LaRue, his wife of 60 years, Vernon also leaves behind one daughter, Christine Henry and spouse, Ron, of Sullivan; 2 grandsons, Jeffrey Burkett, Jr. and spouse, Heather, and Clifford Burkett and spouse, Brandy, all of Sullivan; 2 granddaughters, Jamey Beamer and spouse, Mike, of Medina and Tiffany Burkett and spouse, Tony, of Norwalk; daughter-in-law, Dawn Burkett, of Sullivan. Vernon is also survived by 2 great grandsons, Izaac and Logan Burkett, of Sullivan; great granddaughter, Isabella LaRue Beamer, of Medina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon J. Burkett, Sr. and Doris M. Young Burkett; 2 sons, Clifford Lyn Burkett, who died at birth, and Jeffrey Burkett, Sr. and a grandson, Brian Michael Burkett. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 21 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. and Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main St., Wellington. Visitation will also be held on Friday from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service at the First Congregational Church, 503 US Highway 224, in Sullivan with Pastor Donald Farley officiating. Burial will follow at Sullivan Southview Cemetery with military rites. Donations in memory of Vernon can be directed to the American Lung Association, 6100 Rockside Woods Blvd #260, Independence, OH 44131.