Donald Lee Burton

Donald L. Burton, age 63 of Columbus, Ohio, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior when he was called to his eternal home on November 18, 2014 after a courageous battle with ALS. Don was born November 16, 1951 to the late Donald R. and Mary Burton of Loveland, Ohio.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years Susan (Meckstroth), and daughters Stephanie (Danny) Rogers and Kristen Burton; father and mother in-law Charles and Emily Meckstroth; brothers Duane (Peggy) Burton, Doug (Sandy) Burton; sister Brenda Burton; and 16 nieces and nephews.

Don graduated from Loveland High School in Loveland, Ohio in 1970. He attended The Ohio State University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology in 1975, Master of Science Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management in 1979 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1980.

During his first three years as a practicing veterinarian, Don received numerous inquires from clients who wanted to know where they could take an injured, diseased or orphaned wild animal for care. The concern of local residents and his own interest in the well-being of native Ohio wildlife spurred him to take action and create the Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC) in 1984. Thirty years later, OWC is recognized as one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the country.

Don started his own private veterinary practice, Animal Care Unlimited (ACU), in 1986. ACU is an avian, exotic and small animal practice located in northwest Columbus, Ohio. Don loved his career as a veterinarian. He took exceptional care of his clients and their treasured pet companions. Don served on the Columbus Zoological Park Association Board of Trustees for 30 years having been recently named Trustee Emeritus.

The Eagle Habitat in the North American Region of the Columbus Zoological Park and Aquarium was recently dedicated to him. He was an adjunct associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and received many community awards including Columbus and Central Ohio's Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1994, the Central Ohio Jefferson Award for Community Service in 2003, and The Ohio State University Alumni Association Citizenship Award for Outstanding Service to the Community in 2006. He was a 20 year consultant and guest lecturer for the Humane Society of the United States.

For Don, all these accomplishments paled in comparison to his love for and commitment to Jesus Christ. Don was someone who understood how undeserving he was of receiving the love and grace of God. It was this gratefulness that motivated him to serve and follow God. He had a zealous love for God's Word and committed hundreds of Bible verses to memory. It was these verses containing God's truth and promises that continued to be his rock and stability when life took an unexpected turn earlier this year. He firmly believed that his most impactful and eternal work was found in serving Christ and loving others.

Don was someone who inspired people. He was a gifted leader, a visionary, and always passionate about life. People were constantly drawn to his bright and friendly personality. He saw value and worthiness in every person he met. In the last five years of his life, the highlight of his week was leading a weekly Bible study for men on the west side of Columbus at Jericho's Light Club.

Anyone who has interacted with Don over the past several months is familiar with the symbol he used to communicate to others there is "Victory in Christ". Once he lost his ability to speak, a fist pump with the right arm and then the left quickly became his trademark. Now that he's entered Christ's presence, he's raising a fist proclaiming more passionately than ever that there truly is "Victory in Christ". Condolences and memories can be shared at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donburton.

Donations can be made in Don's name to any of the following: Xenos Christian Fellowship, 1340 Community Park Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43229; the Dr. Donald L. Burton Memorial Fund c/o Ohio Wildlife Center 6131 Cook Road, Powell, Ohio 43065; or Jericho's Light Club, P.O. Box 211033 Columbus, Ohio 43221.

Visiting hours are 4-7 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2014 with a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2014. Both will be held at Xenos Christian Fellowship 1340 Community Park Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43229.

Arrangements by Schoedinger Northwest Chapel. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.