Melvin Gene Burkett, 76, of Pearland passed away April 24, 2014. He was born December 21, 1937 in Bay City, TX to the late Sidney Norman Burkett and Annie Mae Ogden Burkett. He was raised in Sargent, TX and attended Van Vleck High School participating in football, basketball, track, band, FFA, Drama and Class Officer. His family worked hard as farmers and then the shrimp business. He worked in the oil fields prior to becoming a certified Master Electrician employed with Houston Lighting & Power for 15 years and the City of Houston for 32 ;years. He was a decorated veteran with honorable discharge from the Texas National Guard.

He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather who served as the Coach to his two boys Little League football and basketball teams for 6 years and umpired baseball. He was proud to attend all of his boys sporting events throughout High School. He obtained his pilot's license and loved flying his plane. He was an avid fisherman who loved spending time in a boat with his family and friends. He was a member of Shadycrest Baptist Church in Pearland, TX.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Rosie Marie Burkett of Pearland; sons Kent Douglas Burkett & wife Brandy of Pearland and Bret Howard Burkett & wife Linda of Porter, TX and grandchildren Skyler Lee Burkett, Jordan Reese Burkett, Kaitlynn Elizabeth Burkett and Danny Jacob Burkett. He was preceded in death by his siblings Sidney Carlton Burkett, Lora Vernice Williams, Hurl Damon Burkett and John Henry Burkett.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 5pm until 7pm Friday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 3:00 PM Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ryan Jennings officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Kent Burkett, Bret Burkett, Jordan Burkett, Danny Burkett, Wes Concklin and Fred Hastings. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shadycrest Baptist Church, 3017 Yost Blvd., Pearland, TX 77581.