Tommy Gene Burkett

Obituary for Tommy Gene Burkett Tommy "Tom" Gene Burkett, lovingly called "Pappy" by his grandkids passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, he was 79 years old.

Tommy was born on February 18, 1946, in Cooper, Texas to Ollie Lee and Euba Lucille Burkett.

Tommy grew up in Irving, Texas and was drafted into the United States Army to serve in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Shirley, and they established their home and family in Irving, Texas.

Tom worked for Irving Countertop until he started building homes in the 70's and continued that trade in the North Dallas, and Plano area(s) until moving and building around Mount Vernon and Lake Cypress Springs. He truly loved his career in building custom homes. He finished his career welcoming everyone who graced the doors of Collvins Collision. Tommy was the favorite employee, dog walker, security man, IT specialist and all around Collvins Collision Mascot. He loved a good joke and loved to tell stories. Everybody loved Tom and he loved everybody.

He lived to provide for his family. He loved his family and especially those grandkids and great grandkids. He went to every sporting event, making everyone feel like they were the best. A Superhero that had almost 9 lives, and the perfect Girl Dad, He was our version of Google for everything. If you needed anything, he had Googles answer for you. Tom finally retired full time in 2024, and he and Shirley got to experience some relaxation and freedom before his health declined.

He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Burkett, daughters, Stefanie Collvins and husband, Robby of Mt. Vernon, and Jennifer Cooney and husband, Gregg of Mt. Vernon, grandsons, Ethan Collvins and wife, Meredith of Stillwater, Ok., Carson Collvins and fiancée, Emily Silhan of Stillwater, Ok, and Logan Cooney and girlfriend Kennedy Shelton, great grandchildren Maggie Jo and Maverick Collvins.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ollie Lee and Euba Lucille Burkett, and his sister Janice Lee O'Quinn.

When asked what Legacy meant to him, his reply was, "I want to be remembered for doing and being a good person". He far exceeded our expectations.