Samuel R. Burnett, IV passed away June 23, 2024, in Sylvania. He was born December 13, 1931, in Baltimore, MD to Samuel and Blanche Burnett, III. He graduated from Dundalk High School, where he was an active leader and athlete.
Sam joined the US Navy during the Korean War and served two years of active duty. He married Barbara Ann Beard in 1953 and moved to Bowling Green, OH where he attended Bowling Green State University studying elementary education and earning a Masters Degree from Indiana University in Administration. Upon graduation, he taught and served as principal in Van Wert, Perrysburg and Washington Local Schools in Lucas County until his retirement in 1988. While working with Washington Local Schools, he served as an active advocate for education with the local, state and national principals’ associations. He was a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar. In 2024, Sam was awarded the first Samuel R. Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators for his contribution to education in Ohio.
After retirement, he served on the Board of Education. During his retirement years, he continued his dedication to children by working with several state and national groups devoted to helping children’s causes. Sam continued his volunteer efforts in his senior years by advocating for many different senior groups, including senior centers, Area Office on Aging, National Committee for the Preservation of Social Security and Medicare, Alliance for Retired Americans and, most recently with the Bowling Green State University Optimum Aging Institute.
His most recent passion was a group he helped organize to assist Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. He was a long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he held many leadership and volunteer positions. He was a motivator and helped institute and organize several projects at the church and advocated enthusiastically for the city of Toledo. Sam had many varied interests including golf, traveling to as much of the world as he could, his extensive collection of Pinocchio memorabilia, scouting (earning the rank of Eagle Scout and receiving the Silver Beaver Award), and his beloved family of four children, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Sam is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara; children, Diane (David) Langhals, Michael James Burnett, and Patti Dawson; grandchildren, Heather Dawson, Nicholas Dawson, Kevin (Ann) Burnett, Adam (Megan) Langhals, Matthew Dawson, Amanda Langhals; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Dawson, Braelynn Dawson, Brycen Dawson, Ella Burnett, Andrew Burnett, Charlotte Burnett, Margot Langhals, Millie Langhals, Braxston Parker and Bryce Parker; sister, Mary Hill; brother-in-law, Jerry Beard; sister-in-law, Madonna Beard; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Samuel Rowe Burnett V; brother, Raymond Hill; sister, Patsy Carr; in-laws, Glenn and Dorothy Beard; sister-in-law, Patricia VonMaluski; brothers-in-law, Nicholas (Ben) Hill, James Beard and Eugene VonMaluski.
Friends and family may visit Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 2:00pm – 7:00pm. Memorial Service will be at 10:30am on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4030 Douglas Rd. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Aldersgate Scholarship Fund or the Pat Miller Foundation Sam Burnett Award Fund (Eleanor Kahle Senior Center, 1315 Hillcrest Ave., Toledo, OH 43612).
