Gerald L. Burnett

Gerald L. Burnett of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away on March 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He lived a full life devoted to those he cherished most.

Born in Kilgore, Texas on November 5, 1946, Gerald graduated with the Woodlawn High School class of 1965, where he played on the football team. He continued his athletic and academic pursuits by playing two years of football at Tyler Junior College before earning his law degree from Tulane University, following studies at Louisiana State University. That education became the foundation for a distinguished legal career that spanned more than five decades.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie and Martha Burnett. Gerald is survived by his beloved wife of more than 30 years, Retha Burnett, who was the center of his life. He leaves behind his children: Wade Burnett and wife Amy; Cricket Jeter and husband Atwood; Jordan Thaxton and husband Frank; Jennifer Gregory and husband Sean; and Douglas Brown and wife Erika. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Jarman, her husband Ron, and their sons Brian and Jason.

Gerald took special pride in his role as “Papa” to his grandchildren—Taylor, Sam, Jake, James, Grant, Kathryn, Cade, Alex, Frank, Jack, and Charlie—who brought him immense joy. He will be remembered above all for the deep love he held for his wife, his entire family, and especially his grandchildren. In his quieter moments, he found happiness on road trips, at rodeos, fishing along the coast, and tending the grill in the backyard.