1923
Robert
2013
Robert Burnett
August 3, 1923 — October 4, 2013
Dr. Robert Burnett, affectionately called Papa Doc, practiced dentistry long enough to have a number of patients say, "Thank you, Doc for my father's, my, and my son's beautiful, healthy smiles." From Waco, Texas to Los Angeles, California with a number of stops along the way, bringing a smile to someone's face because of his chemistry and medical/dental training has always been something Dr. Burnett was proud of and enjoyed .
Robert was born in Waco, TX on August 3, 1923 the second child from the union of Charlie Burnett and Ida B Giles both of Rosebud, TX.
Robert accepted Christ at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ranger, Texas, though, through the trials and tribulations of longevity and life's twists questioned his acceptance. He searched and studied to resolve the conflicts of science and scripture. In the end he realized the solace of the truly faithful and re-dedicated himself to the Lord.
His educational path took him to Paul Quinn College in Dallas, TX, Houston-Tillotson College in Austin, TX, Columbia University in New York, NY and finally to Howard University School of Dentistry in Washington, DC where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
Robert served in the United States Navy working in the Naval Chemistry Lab on Staten Island where his interest in the sciences grew. He obtained the rank of SP(O) 1st class.
Robert married Juanita Thompson in 1945 and one child was born to the couple, Lillian Gwendolyn. He worked as a medical bacteriologist at the Veteran's Hospital in San Fernando Valley and later at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, California. Robert and Juanita's marriage ended amicably after 14 years of marriage.
Robert married Margaret Wakefield and, through time, was accepted at Howard University. The two packed up and moved to Washington, DC. Four years passed and two children, Lauryn Suzanne and Robert Charles, were born.
The convergence of his interest in science and medicine was heady at Howard University and continued at Mercy Douglass Hospital in Philadelphia for his hospital dental internship. It was in Philadelphia at Philadelphia General Hospital that Dr. Burnett was honored to work with resident dentist Dr. Warren Bennett who became a lifelong friend and associate.
Robert and his family returned to Long Beach, CA. He joined the Angel City Dental Society in 1968 and entered private practice with his own office on Overhill Drive in Los Angeles in 1969. He continued practicing dentistry specializing in oral reconstruction and was on staff at several local hospitals including Martin Luther King Hospital in Watts.
His marriage to Margaret ended and after her death he married Ernesdyne Dave. But, alas, that marriage ended as well.
He retired from dentistry in 2003 although he continued contributing his dentistry expertise a few years more. An avid golfer all of his life, he was now able to pursue golfing with passion. He was a member of the Swingers Golf Club. He truly enjoyed playing with friends and especially his grand children.
Throughout his life he was charming with both men and women and made many warm and caring lifetime friends. Joyce Dowell, Evelyn Hagwood, Ann Holbert, Orlean Dubuclet, Howard and Keryl McNeely to name a few of many.
He leaves to cherish his memory sisters, Mary Miller Norsweather and Mildred (Fernando) Alexander, both of Sacramento, CA; brother, Henry (Irna) Burnett of Monterey, CA; Children, Lillian Gwendolyn (Frank) Brown of San Pedro, CA, Lauryn Suzanne (Tim Jones) Burnett of Manhattan Beach, CA, and Robert Charles (Socorro) Burnett of Torrance CA; Grandchildren Gregory (Kamiko) Applewhite of Signal Hill, CA, Alexander Henry Burnett, Margaret Elizabeth Burnett, Gabriel Burnett Jones, Randy (Kotheldra) Brown of Carson, CA, and and Rodney Brown of Long Beach, CA; Great grandchildren RaVaughn Brown, Marquise Brown, Rhyon Brown, Kendall Brown, and Lance and Ashley Applewhite. Niece Maureen (Steve) Wright and children Taylor and Jaimie, and nephew Michael Alexander. His memory will be cherished by his many cousins, friends, associates and loved ones.
Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275
Robert was born in Waco, TX on August 3, 1923 the second child from the union of Charlie Burnett and Ida B Giles both of Rosebud, TX.
Robert accepted Christ at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ranger, Texas, though, through the trials and tribulations of longevity and life's twists questioned his acceptance. He searched and studied to resolve the conflicts of science and scripture. In the end he realized the solace of the truly faithful and re-dedicated himself to the Lord.
His educational path took him to Paul Quinn College in Dallas, TX, Houston-Tillotson College in Austin, TX, Columbia University in New York, NY and finally to Howard University School of Dentistry in Washington, DC where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
Robert served in the United States Navy working in the Naval Chemistry Lab on Staten Island where his interest in the sciences grew. He obtained the rank of SP(O) 1st class.
Robert married Juanita Thompson in 1945 and one child was born to the couple, Lillian Gwendolyn. He worked as a medical bacteriologist at the Veteran's Hospital in San Fernando Valley and later at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, California. Robert and Juanita's marriage ended amicably after 14 years of marriage.
Robert married Margaret Wakefield and, through time, was accepted at Howard University. The two packed up and moved to Washington, DC. Four years passed and two children, Lauryn Suzanne and Robert Charles, were born.
The convergence of his interest in science and medicine was heady at Howard University and continued at Mercy Douglass Hospital in Philadelphia for his hospital dental internship. It was in Philadelphia at Philadelphia General Hospital that Dr. Burnett was honored to work with resident dentist Dr. Warren Bennett who became a lifelong friend and associate.
Robert and his family returned to Long Beach, CA. He joined the Angel City Dental Society in 1968 and entered private practice with his own office on Overhill Drive in Los Angeles in 1969. He continued practicing dentistry specializing in oral reconstruction and was on staff at several local hospitals including Martin Luther King Hospital in Watts.
His marriage to Margaret ended and after her death he married Ernesdyne Dave. But, alas, that marriage ended as well.
He retired from dentistry in 2003 although he continued contributing his dentistry expertise a few years more. An avid golfer all of his life, he was now able to pursue golfing with passion. He was a member of the Swingers Golf Club. He truly enjoyed playing with friends and especially his grand children.
Throughout his life he was charming with both men and women and made many warm and caring lifetime friends. Joyce Dowell, Evelyn Hagwood, Ann Holbert, Orlean Dubuclet, Howard and Keryl McNeely to name a few of many.
He leaves to cherish his memory sisters, Mary Miller Norsweather and Mildred (Fernando) Alexander, both of Sacramento, CA; brother, Henry (Irna) Burnett of Monterey, CA; Children, Lillian Gwendolyn (Frank) Brown of San Pedro, CA, Lauryn Suzanne (Tim Jones) Burnett of Manhattan Beach, CA, and Robert Charles (Socorro) Burnett of Torrance CA; Grandchildren Gregory (Kamiko) Applewhite of Signal Hill, CA, Alexander Henry Burnett, Margaret Elizabeth Burnett, Gabriel Burnett Jones, Randy (Kotheldra) Brown of Carson, CA, and and Rodney Brown of Long Beach, CA; Great grandchildren RaVaughn Brown, Marquise Brown, Rhyon Brown, Kendall Brown, and Lance and Ashley Applewhite. Niece Maureen (Steve) Wright and children Taylor and Jaimie, and nephew Michael Alexander. His memory will be cherished by his many cousins, friends, associates and loved ones.
Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors