Theodore "Teddy" Burkett

Theodore "Teddy" Burkett Sr. was born on September 3, 1945, to John Sr. and Leona (Rumley) Burkett in Des Moines, IA. He was educated in the Des Moines Public School System. 

Teddy was blessed with six children, Kim, Pokie, Shawna, Ted Jr., Rico and Chooy. He married Michelle Burkett and together they raised their children together in Des Moines. Through his marriage to Patricia (Fraiser), her children Patrick & Robbie DePatten were an important part of his life too.

Teddy was a hard working and loyal family man and friend! He grew up on the Southside of Des Moines where he excelled in sports. Teddy love to play baseball and fast-pitch softball for the Jets & Walker Street. An amazing boxer, he was a 3-time golden glove winner in 3 different weight classes. Teddy enjoyed “his” socializing, as he was a fixture at the Elk’s Hawkeye Lodge where he was affectionately known as “2-Can Ted”. He loved family picnics/cookouts, teaching his kids and grandkids sports, and performing with his lip-sync group, “The Tempting Temps”. 

Teddy worked hard to support his children, grand-children, great-grandchildren. He spent most of his career working for Wilson’s Packing House as a floor supervisor.

Teddy stepped from time into eternity on August 15, 2024. Waiting to greet him on the other side were: his parents; wife, Patricia, siblings Marion, Pearl, Johnny, Louis, Jackie, Barb, Mary, David, and his ex-wife, Miki Burkett and best friend, Art Ousley (brother). 

Teddy will be deeply missed by his children Kim, Pokie, Shawna, Ted Jr. (Julie), Rico (Mandy), Chooy, Patrick & Robbie (Jenny DePatten); a host of grandkids and great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Odell Jenkins; daughter-in-law Memory Burkett; host of nieces and nephews; bonus grandkids/great grandkids and many close relatives and friends.