He was born Sept. 3, 1924, at Pontiac Hospital in Pontiac, MI, to the late Percival and Bernice Burnett.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (née Carlyon), his brother, Ken, sister, Shirley Fisher, and eight children: Kathy Drossart, Anne Henry (Tom), David Burnett (Carol), Doug Burnett (Sandy), Donna Michlewicz (John), Patricia Burnett, Daniel Burnett (Shelly) and Michael Burnett (Karin). He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
Donald attended Kalamazoo College before and after serving his country honorably as a U.S. Army corporal assigned as a photogrammetrist in the 9th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron in Barrackpore, India, during World War II. He later had a successful career in banking, working his way up to a position as Executive Vice President of Dearborn Bank & Trust. He retired from banking in 1989.
Throughout his life, Donald had multiple hobbies. He excelled at woodworking, crafting finely-detailed pieces — both functional and decorative — for family members and friends, and was a founding member of The Villages Woodworkers Club. He was a talented organist, he played golf for many years and he enjoyed playing cards. Donald also joined a kite-flying club after moving from Rochester Hills, MI, to The Villages, FL.
Donald developed friendships that lasted a lifetime. He kept up with classmates from Kalamazoo College, regularly attending reunions with wife Karen (also a Kalamazoo College alum) by his side. Last August, Donald and Karen celebrated 70 years of marriage.
In September 2014, Donald was thrilled by the opportunity to take an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to see the sights, including the World War II Memorial. He and other veterans were treated to a police escort and crowds of people applauding and waving flags upon his arrival at the airport.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12 at Pixley Funeral Home located at 322 University Drive in Rochester, Michigan, with the service following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Michigan.
Memorial donations can be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages Florida, 32162, or the charity of your choice.
