Jeffrey "Jeff " Micheal Burckett

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. - Jeffrey "Jeff" Michael Burkett, 42, died Monday, July 8, 2013, in Casa Grande, Ariz.

He was born Sept. 1, 1970, the son of Charles and Patricia Thomas Burkett.

He attended McGuffey Elementary School, Turner Junior High and Warren Western Reserve High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Kent State University and did graduate work in criminal justice at Youngstown State Universit

He became a lieutenant in the corrections field at Corrections Corporation of America in Youngstown and Casa Grande before becoming disabled due to multiple sclerosis.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Downs Burkett; son, Chase Michael Burkett; daughters, Kellee (Matthew) Kramer, Chloe Elizabeth Burkett and Alison Delli-Gatti; sisters, Debra Burkett, Kim McGann, Brandie Boyle and Nancy Mathews; brothers, Ron McGann and Terry McGann.

He leaves behind his father and stepmother, Charles and Patricia Burkett of Bristolville; and his mother and stepfather, Patricia and Alfred Mathews of Jacksonville, Fla.

He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Carol Downs of Arizona; and father-in-law, Tim Downs of Ohio; two aunts, Sue (Del) Myers of Braceville, and their three children, and Dort (Ed) Wishart of Elyria, and their three children; a special nephew, Andrew Burkett; as well as many extended family members and many good friends.

He never met a stranger and he had a way with written and spoken words and was an inspiration to others. He loved nothing more than being involved with his kids and their activities. Jeff also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Scrappy and Lily.

He was preceded in death by his aunt, Dee (Julius) Silagy; and a brother, Thomas John Mathews.

Services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Braceville United Methodist Church, corner of state Route 82 and Braceville Robinson Road, Braceville, with a luncheon and celebration of Jeff's life to follow. The services will be conducted by his uncle, Pastor G. Edward Wishart. The family welcomes everyone to participate.

Submitted as a courtesy by the McFarland & Son Funeral and Cremation ServicesCo.. 271 N. Park Ave, Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621. Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary, send condolences or order flowers.