Roger James Burnett, 83, passed away on September 29, 2026.

Roger was born on February 7, 1943, in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, to James and Irene Burnett. He spent his early years in Canada, where he attended college and began a career in banking. His life would ultimately take him far beyond his Canadian roots, including a brief time living in Germany and service in the Canadian Army. A talented singer, he performed in a band and even directed music during his time in the military. Roger was active as both a Kingsman and a Mason.

Always ambitious and willing to try something new, he later owned several businesses, including a landscaping company and a travel agency. His love of travel would become one of the defining joys of his life—and, more importantly, would lead him to Wilma. The two met while Roger was traveling in the Bahamas, beginning a life together filled with adventures, family, and countless memories.

Roger eventually made the United States his home, becoming a proud U.S. citizen in 1992. Over the years, he lived in the Lake Osawatomie area, Smithville, and Gladstone, Missouri, before settling for the past 25 years on Robinhood Lane. Although his travels took him around the world, Roger was especially proud to call the United States home.

Roger and Wilma shared a wonderful sense of adventure. Together they traveled throughout Greece, Egypt, Europe, and many other destinations, enjoyed 12 cruises, and explored the country by motorcoach. Yet some of their best memories were made much closer to home. Roger treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, especially days together on the pontoon boat. He even created his own four-hole golf course in the backyard, providing plenty of opportunities for family fun and friendly competition.

To escape the cold winter months, Roger and Wilma began spending their winters in Florida, but after deciding the alligators and snakes weren’t quite for them, they headed west. For several years, they wintered in and around South Padre Island, Texas, where they enjoyed plenty of sunshine and time on the golf course. They loved the area so much that they eventually purchased a mobile home in Donna, Texas.

Roger was a man of many talents and interests. In addition to his musical abilities and entrepreneurial spirit, he was a published author of multiple books. He enjoyed good Mexican food, the companionship of his dachshund, Logan, and his cat, Lenny. Sometimes, however, the simplest pleasures were the best, and Roger could often be found sitting on the porch, enjoying the fresh air and taking in the world around him.

Roger will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Wilma; children, David (Jeanne) Burnett, Angela (Steve) Resch, Brian (Lisa) Francis, and Bill (Kim) Francis; grandchildren, Isabel, Joshua, Ethan, Aynslee (Parker), Mackenzee, Braydan, Brianna, and Nathan; as well as extended family and friends.

A graveside service honoring Roger’s life will be held at Terrace Park Cemetery on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.