entered into eternal rest at the age of 70.
Donald was born in Denton, Texas on July 13, 1949 to Leroy and Damaris Burns. He attended
La Puenta High School, and then enlisted in the US Army on November 24, 1968 serving during
the Vietnam War. On January 3, 1970 he married the love of his life, Brenda Fleischer at Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California. They lived in Hawaii in the first year
of marriage then moved to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas until 1971. After being honorably
discharged from the US Army they began their journey in California, as he worked as a
mechanic for a fleet service. Soon adding to their family, a son and a daughter. In 1989 their
lives led them to Henderson County, Texas where he worked for a cabinet shop, drove an
eighteen wheeler and then worked at Solar Turbines as a refurbish technician before retiring at
the age of 62.
Don adored his family and friends dearly and would do anything to lend a helping hand or make
them smile, even if it was playing games we had to trick him into playing. He loved God with all
of his heart and was a great influence and mentor to many. Don enjoyed travelling, riding
motorcycles, surfing in his younger years, woodwork and anything mechanical. He had a passion
for flying, and he obtained his private pilot license in Athens on June 30, 1990.
Don is survived by his wife, Brenda Burns; his son, Donald Burns Jr. and fiance Joni Smith of
Eustace; his daughter, Sheri Labelle and husband Bryan Labelle of McKinney, Texas; his
grandchildren, Dustin Meadows and wife, AJ Meadows, Skye Burns, Kathleen Grundt, Angela
Labelle and Joey Labelle. He is also survived by his sister, Tommie Smith of Payne Springs and
Becky Moore of Hemet, California; and also by numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please, we would prefer plants or donations to the building fund of St. Peter
Lutheran Church of Gun Barrel City, Texas; 130 Luther Lane, Gun Barrel City, Texas 75156 (903)887-0436 or their website at [email protected].
