Burton Phelps Emmett, 83, of Summerville, S.C., died Friday, on Oct. 20, 2023 in his sleep. He was born Jan. 29, 1940 in Pontiac to Edward Burton Emmett and Marjorie Jean Phelps Emmett.
Burt was raised in Romeo where his father owned and operated Emmett’s Hardware. In 1958, Burt graduated from Romeo High School where he played varsity football, basketball and lettered in track. During college, he determined to join the U.S. Air Force. As an officer, he became a decorated pilot and flew over 1,000 combat hours and had 800 airdrop sorties during the Vietnam War. Throughout his career, he piloted over 10,000 flight hours on multiple aircrafts including: C-124, C-123, and C-141. He was an aircraft commander, flight instructor, and chief of standardization. After serving his country for 20 years, Burt retired as a Lieutenant Colonel but still continued flying. As a corporate pilot, he flew Citation and Westwing aircrafts until he retired a second and final time.
Burt’s hobbies included collecting antique and classic cars, model railroading and keeping up with current events through talk radio and TV.
Being a true patriot, Burt loved Independence Day. He would celebrate it driving one of his collectable cars in parades, or, whenever possible, celebrate at the Emmett family cabin on Shupac Lake in Lovells surrounded by extended Emmett family who loved him.
He will be missed by his daughters, Marjorie Emmett Gillespie (David) and Jeanne Emmett Burden (George); grandchildren, Andrew Gillespie, Samuel Burden and George Burden; siblings, Collin Emmett (Jane) and Carol Emmett Heine (Frederick).
A private memorial will be held at the family’s Lovells cabin.
