Jacob C. Burkett, 27, a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe member of Amarillo, TX, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Baptist St. Anthony Health System, Amarillo, TX.

A celebration of Jacob’s life will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Red Scaffold Rodeo Grounds. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Red Scaffold.

Jacob Charles Burkett was born September 2, 1994, at Baptist Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Amarillo, Texas.  He is the son of Gregory Burkett of Jefferson N.C., and Mary Collins Burkett of Red Scaffold S.D.

Jacob attended school in Panhandle, TX, where he played elementary and high school football, and was on the track team as well. He was on the UIL team for Economics and had to cover for one of the math members and did very well. During high school he attended Amarillo College. After high school, Jake wanted to take a break from school, and never went back claiming that the white man’s diploma would do nothing for him. After watching his dad get up and go to work every day, he didn’t want a white man’s job either. All work and no time to smell the roses he would say. He was joking his parents believed, they just never knew for sure. Jake decided he had to stay home and take care of his parents

Jake was an avid shooter and hunter, and was a crack shot, yet kind to animals, especially the little ones. He was a living Historian; reenacting the Mountain Man Rendezvous of the 1830’s, because of the Mountain Men’ closeness to the Native Americans. He was also interested in the Civil War because of his father’s relatives and did some Civil War reenacting as well. He had many interests. Jake was extremely tech savvy, and a very intelligent and witty person. He was an excellent cook, especially campfire cooking, and barbeque. His ribs were some of the best, his steaks could be a bit salty, but all was delicious. He did have a habit of putting a can of beans in the bonfire though.

Jake loved the fourth of July, and its fireworks. He loved the bottle rocket wars with his uncles and cousins, and even burned down his Aunt Sheila’s wood pile one year, oops. Another year, he set the dumpster on fire, then he blew up his grandma’s mailbox. Jake did put on a pretty good display at home the past few years. He loved being in Red Scaffold with all his cousins at Christmas and would have liked being there more if it wasn’t for his parents.

He is survived by his parents; grandmother, Ann Burkett of Jefferson, NC; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jake was preceded in death by his grandparents: Dwight and Phyllis Collins of Red Scaffold, SD and Charles Burkett, of Jefferson NC; two uncles: Marlin Red Bull and Tom Collins, both of Red Scaffold, SD

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Jacob’s arrangements.

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