Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
Donald Burns Obituary
Born Oct. 5, 1931, at his family home in Leland, he was the son of Harold and Gladys (Rasmussen) Burns.
Don graduated from Leland High School in 1949 and earned his associate's degree from Fort Steilacoom Community College. In May 1951, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for three years. In 1954, he joined the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1971.
Along with his family, Don moved in 1971 to Kent, Wash., where he was employed by Boeing Aircraft. In 1977, he returned to Illinois. He was employed by the DeKalb Sanitary District until his retirement. In retirement, Don loved to spend the winter months in Rio Hondo, Texas, where he had many friends.
He is survived by a daughter, Lin (Jerry) Collins of Conover, N.C.; two sons, Clifton (Laurie) Burns of Geneva and Larry Burns of DeKalb; seven grandchildren, Mariah (Jason) Dobbs, Tyler and Andrew Collins, Taylor and Kelly Burns and Sarah and Nick Burns; four brothers, Kenneth (Laura) Burns, Howard (Pat) Burns, Charles (Cathy) Burns and Russell (Lola) Burns; a sister, Nita (David) Smith; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by a son, Michael, and his parents.
A private family funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 3, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, with the Rev. Robert Vaughn of Malta Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established for Donald E. Burns in care of Anderson Funeral Home Ltd., P.O. Box 605, 2011 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, call (815) 756-1022.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
Make a Donation
in Donald Burns's name
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Burns's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
