Burton L. Vannette, 92, of St. Marys, OH passed away Monday January 22, 2018 following a brief stay at Otterbein Retirement Community.

He was born June 24, 1925 in Salem, IN to James and Pearl (Newport) Vannette. He had five brothers: Bill, Russell, Charlie, Jim and Ralph (all deceased).

At the age of three Burt, along with his brothers, was placed in the former Ft. Wayne Childrens' Home. While in high school, he was taken out of the Childrens' 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).

Burt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943, serving in the 33rd Artillery Battalion.

On February 22, 1946 he married Betty Balsiger at the parsonage of the First Missionary Church in Berne, IN. Betty preceded him in death on February 2, 2011.

They had four children: daughter Candace & Duane Forlow of Celina, OH; son Dano & Bobbie (White) Vannette of Ft. Wayne, IN; son Douglas & Becky (Trempert) Vannette of St. Marys, OH; son Curtis & Bei (Zhao) of Delaware, OH; 9 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren.

Following his discharge from the service, he and Betty worked at the Berne Locker, which was owned by his in laws. Burt then went to work as a meat cutter for Kroger Grocery Co. for the next 20 years. After Burt retired from Kroger, he became a partner in Heckler Slaughter House in Celina. A few years later, he went to work for Reynolds & Reynolds Corp. In Celina.

Burt and Betty 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.

Burt 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.

Rites are scheduled to begin 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 27, 2018 at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 73 West Chapel) in St. Marys. Burial will follow at the Mercer Memory Gardens in Celina.

Visitation 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to his family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.