Kenneth Edward Burchett, Sr.

Kenneth Edward Burchett, 61, died on Monday, November 13, 2023, after a courageous battle with a rare, aggressive cancer. Ken was born in Petersburg, Virginia, to John Wesley and Carrie Elizabeth (Mayton) Burchett.

A 1980 Petersburg High School graduate, Ken earned a bachelor's degree in information systems from Virginia Commonwealth University. He later earned a Bachelor of Theology from the International College of Bible Theology. At heart, Ken was a problem-solver, encourager, and entertainer who provided computer solutions, leadership, and inspiration. He was a lay preacher and published singer, songwriter, and author.

His computer career with CDSI and CSC, two local contractors supporting Fort Lee (now Fort Gregg-Adams) and culminated in a 30-year career with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, where Ken spearheaded the initiative to shift the court from paper to electronic filing. He rose to Assistant Systems Manager before retiring in 2018 for health reasons.

Ken served as a church elder for 30 years. Throughout that time, he served as a preacher, teacher, singer, songwriter, musician, home-group leader, and friend to many. He ministered in the juvenile detention center, the regional jail, and on the streets, often helping the homeless or drug addicted. He supported other ministers, mentored youths, encouraged musicians, and helped countless others along their Christian journeys. He was dedicated to strengthening people and building up his local church.

Ken is predeceased by his parents, John Wesley Burchett and Carrie Elizabeth (Mayton/Burchett) Wuensch. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Michelle (Adams) Burchett; children, Christina Burchett of Richmond, Kenneth Burchett, Jr. of Chesterfield, Katherine (Burchett) Parker of Weatherford, Texas, and Benjamin Burchett of Sutherland; his siblings, John Burchett, Jr. (Kelly) of King William County, Brenda Aragon of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Sherry Whitfield (Stewart) of Dataw Island, South Carolina; grandsons, Micah and Noah Parker; cousin, Earl Mayton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home - Petersburg Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the chapel with interment at Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, South Prince George, following the service. In lieu of flowers, it was Ken's wishes that donations be made to his family.