Lanny Joe Burnett was raised on a ranch in Fannin County, Texas.  The son of 5th generation Texans, he learned at an early age the responsibility of being a steward of the land.  After graduating from East Texas State University, Lanny Joe taught school, was a ski instructor, raced motorcycles, worked as a cook, and was a sales trainer and motivator.  He’s been a cowboy all his life.  He can’t help it; it’s in his blood. 

Through her award-winning column, “The Crow’s-Feet Chronicles” as featured in Herald-Democrat, North Texas e-News (www.ntxe-new.com), and Deport Times, Cindy Baker Burnett gives the reader a “walk on the flannel side.”   Born and raised in Bonham, Texas, Cindy graduated from Texas Tech with a BBA degree.  Following a tour of duty as a schoolteacher, she spent 20 years with her father in the men’s clothing store, Currin’s Man’s Shop in Bonham. 

Cindy is retired from the Customer Relations Department of American Airlines and is serving at Commissioned Lay Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Deport, Texas.  Cindy and Lanny Joe have five head-of-the-class grandchildren and a slobbering dog named Jackson. 

Cindy and Lanny Joe have written several historical presentations about famous frontier couples.  Together they have performed these dramas for historical associations, museums, special interest groups, churches, and schools.  For the last five years, these living history stage shows have been the hub of the western heritage segment of the National Cowboy Symposium and Celebration.

Cindy Baker Burnett and Lanny Joe Burnett will be portraying the pioneer couple Mary Ann & Charlie Goodnight when they take the Heritage Day stage at 9:30 a.m. May 5 in Bonham as part of a full slate of Heritage Day activities. Charlie Goodnight invented the chuck wagon.  He was also one of the greatest range cattle breeders of their time.  Cindy and Lanny are sure to be educational as well as entertaining.