Maurice D. Burnett

Maurice Darryl Burnett, born on January 31, 1952, in Parsons, Kansas to Theodore and Christine (Hardridge) Burnett, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and a dear friend to many.

As a youth, Maurice attended Carver Middle School and Lincoln High School. During this time, he developed a passion and talent for baseball. He later married Yvonnda (Hobby) Burnett and together created a life filled with joy and laughter with their children and grandchildren. Maurice had a unique gift for bringing happiness to those around him, always focused on creating cherished memories with his family. He was a longtime employee at Clay and Bailey Manufacturing Co. and was later employed with Kauffman Stadium before his retirement.

A devoted fan of his hometown teams, Maurice enjoyed listening to the Kansas City Royals and watching the Kansas City Chiefs. Maurice also had a deep love for reggae music. Maurice’s enthusiasm for music and baseball was matched only by his unwavering love for his family, whom he supported with all his heart.

Maurice was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Burnett; his wife, Yvonnda Burnett; his partner, Renita Stewart; and his brothers Clifton Burnett, Roosevelt Burnett, Robert Hardridge, and Ivory Burnett.

He is survived by his mother, Christine Groves, stepfather, Elmer Groves; daughters; Shaneka Hardiman, Lee Esther Buchanan, and Adrian Sexton, sons; Maurice C. Burnett and Darryl Burnett (Keichanda Dees-Burnett, daughter-in-law); grandchildren: Olivia Burnett, Robert Hardiman III, Kierra Matthews, Ashley Smith, LeAndre’ Smith, Ke‘Waun Riley, and Brandi Riley; brothers: Verlyn Burnett, Larris “Lee” Burnett (Jacqueline Burnett, sister-in-law), and Preston Burnett; and sisters Martha Banks of Denver, Colorado, Rozetta, Lisa, Janice (Rochelle West, sister-in-law), and Tina Burnett, all of Kansas City, Missouri. He shared a sibling-like bond with Cheryl A. Jones (Odis) and Rondalyn Strother-Graham and a special bond with Larry Green aka “brother-in-law”. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Maurice will be deeply missed by all who knew him and his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.