Burnetts sell Theodosia Hardware after 26 years of ownership to experienced store manager from Iowa


Above, left: The Burnett Family, from left to right, Cade, Jenna, Cheryl, Justin, Elaine and David Burnett; Theodosia Hometown Hardware has been in the Burnett family since 1995. The family recently sold the business. Above, right: New Theodosia Hometown Hardware Do It Best store owner Richard VanDeWalle stands in the store that he bought from the Burnett family in early December.

There’s a new owner at Theodosia’s Hometown Hardware Do It Best Store.

Richard VanDeWalle purchased the store from longtime owners Justin and Cheryl Burnett on Dec, 3, and opened under the new ownership on Dec. 7.

VanDeWalle said he is already enjoying working with the local customers to help fill their needs and wants with a wide range of hardware and home improvement items.

“I will start carrying lumber and more building materials in the spring,” VanDeWalle said. “I hope to expand the store and also continue carrying everything customers are used to.”

VanDeWalle moved to Ozark County from Iowa, where he has a long history of operating lumber and hardware businesses. He said he looks forward to meeting all the new customers. 

“Stop by and say hi, and come check out the store,” he said.

Former co-owner Cheryl Burnett said they want to thank all of their longtime customers for all the years of business. “We really miss seeing all of our friends and customers,” Burnett said. “We can’t thank you enough for all the support and your business over the years.”

The Burnett family has been a mainstay at the store since 1995 when Dave and Elaine Burnett bought the then Ace Hardware Store. They ran the store until selling the business to the younger Burnetts in 2014.

For the Burnetts it was truly a family-run business, including Cheryl and Justin’s kids Cade and Jenna. “They helped us at the store quite a bit,” Cheryl said. “Cade loved working the front counter visiting with all the customers, and Jenna helped us a lot with the greenhouse when we had it open in the spring.”

In 2007, the store switched from Ace Hardware to Do It Best.

“Right now we’re going to keep busy with our farm and our cattle,” said Cheryl when asked what their future plans were.

The store is located at 6317 US Highway 160 in Theodosia. To find out more information, call Theodosia Hometown Hardware at 417-273-4821.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423