Grover C. Burkett, 84, of Olney, Illinois, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital. Grover was born September 26, 1937 in Rural Edwards County, Illinois, the son of Grover Cleveland Burkett and Elizabeth (McBride). He married Rena Leota (Williams) on November 30, 1957 in Mt. Carmel, IL. Leota preceded him in death on October 25, 2017.

Grover met Leota through her former pastor. They were united in marriage on November 30, 1957 in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, by Pastor James Eastman. Grover was a retired educator, including serving as an agricultural teacher, elementary teacher and principal, special education administrator, and school superintendent. He recently served as president of the Richland County Retired Teacher Association. Grover was active in the Dundas Ruritan as well as Lincolnland Ruritan District and Ruritan National.

He was a member of the Olney Free Methodist Church.

Grover is survived by his daughter, Vivian (John) Barber; daughter, Cheryl (John) Wall; son, Chuck (Kim) Burkett; daughter, Teresa (John) Yarbor; grandchildren, Rachel (Kyle) Cummings, Michael (Mayra) Barber, Devin Wall, Kayle Wall, Kirk (Reagan) Wall, Ian Wall, Matthew Burkett, Laura Burkett, Lindsey Burkett, Andy Yarbor, and Alex Yarbor; great grandchild, Grace; sister, Wilma Moore; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, seven sisters and three brothers.

Services at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney with interment at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Carmel, IL.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL