John D. Burkett

John D. Burkett Jr., 77, a resident of Bayou Vista, passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2025.

Fondly known as John "Johnny" or Papa John, he was born on June 19, 1947, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, to John D. Burkett Sr. and Mary Lou Nesbitt Burkett. A proud graduate of Seneca Valley High School, Class of 1965, Johnny was a letterman in football and carried his competitive spirit into his future endeavors.

After high school, John attended Defiance College, where he was a founding member of the first chapter of Phi Sigma Chi before leaving college in 1968 to begin his career. In 1969, he started as a surveyor for Michal Baker Jr. in New York. In 1973, he relocated to Louisiana and worked for Carl Heck in 1974. The following year, he began driving freight trucks with Saia Motor Freight in Morgan City, a role he held until 1995. John concluded his professional journey as a retiree from Tuboscope after 15 dedicated years in the industry.

An avid coin collector and a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Papa John cherished his summer trips to Alaska to visit family, seeking respite from the Louisiana heat.

John is survived by his daughter, Melissa Burkett Simmerman of Palmer, AK, granddaughters Brooke and Savanna, grandson Ben Simmerman, and great-grandchildren Bella and Brody. He is also survived by his sisters, Judy and Alan Hannas of Cranberry Township, PA, along with nephews Jason and Karen Hannas and family, Ryan and Erin Hannas and family, Janet and Greg LaRocca nieces Rachel and Liz LaRocca of Ellwood, PA. He will be deeply missed by friends and neighbors who offered their support in his later years.

John was preceded in death by his beloved parents, John and Mary Lou Burkett.

A celebration of his life will be held later, where family and friends will come together to honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity of your choice in John’s name.