Charles (Chuck) Milton Burnett, beloved educator, coach, mentor, and community leader, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the age of 91.
Chuck was born on May 25, 1935, in Indianola, Iowa, to Delbert and Beulah Burnett. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1953 before attending Simpson College in Indianola. He later earned his master’s degree in education from Drake University in Des Moines.
While attending Simpson College, Chuck met the love of his life, Dorothy Newman of Griswold, Iowa. They were married on July 29, 1956, at the Nobel Center Evangelical United Brethren Church near Lyman. Together they devoted nearly 70 years to Iowa education. They spent 60 years as residents of Atlantic before moving to Wichita, Kansas, in 2022, to be closer to family.
Chuck began his education career in Collins, Iowa, in 1957, teaching World History and Social Studies. Teaching positions in Panora and Pella would follow before he and Dorothy moved their young family to Atlantic in 1964. There he taught junior high Science and Physical Education until his retirement in 1995.
Athletics played a central role throughout Chuck’s life. At Indianola High School, he was a four- sport varsity letterman in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He served as football team captain during his senior season, qualified for the state track meet, competed in the prestigious Drake Relays as a member of a relay team, played in the state baseball tournament, and earned All-Conference honors twice in football and once in baseball.
At Simpson College, Chuck excelled as a four-year starter in football at both running back and defensive back while also competing in track. He was selected All-Iowa Conference during his junior and senior seasons and served as co-captain his senior year. Among his many honors, he was named Second Team All-American running back by the Methodist publication Together. He was also contacted by the Pittsburgh Steelers regarding interest in participating in the NFL Draft. In 1974, Chuck was inducted into the Simpson College Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor later shared by his younger brother, Larry.
Chuck’s coaching career was equally distinguished. He began coaching in Collins, overseeing boys’ and girls’ basketball, baseball, and track. Coaching stops in Panora and Pella followed including football, track, and girls’ basketball. After arriving in Atlantic in 1964, he initially coached all junior high boys’ sports before advancing to the varsity level a few years later.
From 1968 to 1980, Chuck served as Atlantic’s head baseball coach. Also in 1968, he joined Head Coach Lynn Barnes in establishing Atlantic’s wrestling program. After two years at the varsity level, Chuck spent two decades coaching junior high wrestling. In recognition of those contributions, he was inducted into the Atlantic/CAM Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2021.
Perhaps Chuck is best remembered for his contributions to Atlantic Trojan football. Beginning in 1969, he joined Head Coach Bob Younger and fellow assistant coach Lynn Barnes as part of a coaching staff that built one of Iowa’s top high school football programs. Supported by a talented coaching staff from junior high to varsity levels, the trio led the Trojans for nearly two decades to consistent Hawkeye 8 Conference success, including seven state playoff appearances, two state championship games, and never losing more than three games in any season during that remarkable run.
Beyond the classroom and athletic fields, Chuck was deeply committed to serving the Atlantic community. For ten years, starting in the late 1960s, he directed the city’s summer recreation program and helped develop the Atlantic Little League baseball program alongside other community leaders. He faithfully served as Congregational President and longtime member of the United Church of Christ, was President and board member of Meals on Wheels, served on the Cass County Zoning Board, worked as a Hy-Vee floral delivery driver, and enjoyed a 45-year membership at Nishna Hills Golf Club.
Whether in the classroom, on the practice field, or throughout the Atlantic community, Chuck’s steady leadership, integrity, humility, work ethic, and lifelong commitment to young people left an enduring impact on generations of students, athletes, families, and friends.
Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Dorothy (Newman) Burnett, and by his brothers, Larry and Earl.
He is survived by his son, Scott Burnett (Cindy) of Rogers, Arkansas; daughter, Lynn Stutler (Scott) of Wichita, Kansas; and son, Brian Burnett of Des Moines, Iowa. He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Christy Earp, Shea Riley, Nate Burnett, Cara Vadakin, and Jessi Story; nine great-
grandchildren: Jackson Riley, Harlow Riley, Jemma Earp, Easton Earp, Rey Burnett, Foster Vadakin, Mikayla Story, Oliver Vadakin, and Henry Burnett; his sister, Amy Endres of Indianola; sisters-in-law Joyce Burnett of Kansas City, Gloria Cashett of Glenwood, and Sharon Newman of
Council Bluffs; as well as fourteen nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, August 14, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, 1607 Hazel Street, Atlantic, Iowa.
