Wayne D. Burnett

The Reverend  Wayne D. Burnett, 51, of Bainbridge, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 29, 2004 in Manhattan.  He was born August 27, 1952, son of the late John "Jack" and Ruth M. [Buskirk] Burnett in Jersey City, N.J.  Wayne attended Afton Central School where he met Joan Cutting, his wife to be.  After they were married, Wayne enrolled in Union College in Barbourville, Ky.  He graduated in 1980 and entered Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, N.J.  where he received his Masters Degree in Divinity in `1983. 

Wayne and Joan Burnett moved to Morris, where Wayne was nominated as Fireman of Year in 1983.  Wayne decided to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Chaplain from 1983 to 1993.

Upon leaving the Navy, Wayne was hired by the Wyoming Conference to be the Pastor of the United Methodist Churches of Bainbridge, Afton and North Afton in 1994.  In 1998, he was forced to retire due to his declining health.  He continued his civil duties through the Bainbridge Rotary Club as past president and past president of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta.  He was also a member of the Bainbridge American Legion.

Wayne enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and woodworking.  He was a "wannabe Normy".  Wayne loved Bainbridge the the local area.  This was evident by his dedication to service.  he was a devoted family man.  This was evident by the love he shared.  he was a great man.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Delaware Valley Humane Society, 101 East Main Street, Sidney; the Bainbridge Fire Department, the United Methodist Churches of Afton, Bainbridge and North Afton, and Prevent Child Abuse New York State, 134 South Swan Street, Albany NY 12210.

From:  The Daily Star, February 2, 2004