George Earl Burkett, 78, of Punxsutawney went home to be with the Lord on Friday at home with his family by his side.

Mr. Burkett was born Feb. 24, 1935, in Oliver Township, Jefferson County, a son of the late Russell and Leona (McAninch) Burkett.

On July 14, 1956, he married Dolores (Reed) Burkett, who survives.

Mr. Burkett was a member of the Grange Church of God.

He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Germany.

He was a former employee of Youngstown Welding and Engineering in Youngstown, Ohio, and Machining Enterprises Inc. of Punxsutawney before becoming a full-time dairy farmer. He later raised beef cattle and horses and continued to crop farm.

He enjoyed working outdoors, farming, hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, surviving relatives include one son, Timothy Burkett and his wife, Sandra, of Punxsutawney; one daughter, Tamie Malencia and her husband, Ken, of Butler; five grandchildren, Kayla, Kelsey and Nathan Burkett of Punxsutawney, and Austin and Sean Malencia of Butler; and one sister, Delores London and her husband, Irvin, of Punxsutawney.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, John, James, Jacob, and David Burkett; and two sisters, Mary Bowser and Elsie Geist.

BURKETT — Friends of George Earl Burkett, who died Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Janis Bracken officiating. Interment will be in Markton Cemetery.The family has suggested that memorials may be made to the Grange Church of God or the Oliver Township Fire Company.Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.