Burton L. Vannette

Burton L. Vannette, 92, of St. Marys, Ohio passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018 following a brief stay at Otterbein Retirement Community. He was born on June 24, 1925 in Salem to James and Pearl (Newport) Vannette. At the age of three, he and his five brothers were placed in the former Fort Wayne Children’s Home. While in high school, he was taken out of the children’s home by Preston and Meta Pyle to live with their family. He was treated as a son and brother by the couple and their children Reba, Charlie and Jim (all deceased). He was married on February 22, 1946 at the parsonage of the First Missionary Church in Berne to Betty Balsiger.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943, serving in the 33rd Artillery Battalion. Following his discharge from the service, he and his wife worked at the Berne Locker, which was owned by his in-laws. He then went to work as a meat cutter for the Kroger Grocery Co. for the next 20 years. After he retired from Kroger, he became a partner in Heckler Slaughter House in Celina, Ohio. A few years later, he went to work for Reynolds & Reynolds Corp. in Celina.

He and his wife raised orchid plants in a small backyard greenhouse in Celina and often sold the blooms to local florists. In 1976, they opened the Flower & Plant Barn in St. Marys, which continues operation today under the ownership of their daughter.

He never knew a stranger, always had a positive attitude and enjoyed life to the fullest. A devoted husband and father, his greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Candace (Duane) Forlow of Celina, Ohio; three sons, Dano (Bobbie) Vannette of Fort Wayne; Douglas (Becky) Vannette of St. Marys, Ohio; and Curtis (Bei) Vannette of Delaware, Ohio; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on February 2, 2011; and five brothers, Bill, Russell, Charlie, Jim and Ralph.

Visitation will be three hours prior to the 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, January 27 at Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 73 West Chapel), St. Marys, Ohio. Burial will be at Mercer Memory Gardens in Celina.

Arrangements provided by Miller Funeral Home in St. Marys, Ohio. Online condolences may be made at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.