Richard “Dick” Lee Burchett, 82
Published 10:52 am Monday, November 29, 2021
Richard “Dick” Lee Burchett, 82, dear husband of Leslie Vose Burchett, died peacefully Nov. 23, 2021, at his residence in Lexington, KY. Born Feb. 27 1939 in Nitro, WV, he was the son of the late James Harvey and Goldie May Burchett. Dick was a graduate of Finneytown High School in Cincinnati, OH, and received his B.A. from Anderson College. He obtained his first Master’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati and his second from Chandrum State in Nebraska. He also taught history at Marshall University. Dick was the owner/operator of Gwinn Island Marina. He was a passionate coach of the Centre College Cross Country team, leading them to a National Championship. He was an avid runner and cyclist, competing in over 40 marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlons, and Ironman competitions. These pursuits connected him to a beloved community of adventurers where he found competition, encouragement, and lifelong support. One of those adventurers was Larry Fletcher, “Fletch.” Fletch and his wife Camie introduced Dick to his cherished wife, Leslie. Dick retired on his 80th birthday after 19 years at John’s Run/Walk Shop. Survivors other than his beloved wife Leslie include two daughters Kris Burchett, Winchester, KY and Kerrin (Jeff) Omer, Simpsonville, KY; four stepchildren, Paige Patterson (Mark) Davis, Salt Lake City, UT, John (Jenny) Patterson, Louisville, KY, Julie (Felix) Vose Spittler, Apex, NC and Lucy Vose, Louisville, KY; and nine grandchildren, David, Ben, Sam, and John Omer; Hadley and John Patrick Patterson; and Natalie, Elizabeth, and Juliet Spittler. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at Central Christian Church on E. Short Street. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear running shoes in honor of Dick. Memorial contributions are suggested to WEKU (NPR) and Centre College Cross Country.