George Donald "Smoke" Burns

George Donald "Smoke" Burns, 89, of Louisville, passed away on Thursday, October 9th, 2025.

Smoke was born in Louisville, KY, on September 12, 1936, to Louis and Louise Burns. He was one of the original founders of St. Athanasius Catholic Church on Outer Loop, where his love and devotion to the Church were evident throughout his life. He attended Flaget High School and Ahrens Trade School, was a founding member of AMVETS Post 61, and a founder and leader of Boy Scout Troop 461. He retired as a printer for Printing Incorporated.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Burns; his daughter, Jenny Schueman; his parents; his sister, Darlene Kushner; and his brother, Jack Burns.

He is survived by his sons, Mark Burns (Jennifer) and Donnie Burns (Dawn); his grandchildren, Melissa, Kevin, Danielle, Dean, Bruce, Amanda and Mary; a host of great-grandchildren, all loved dearly; one great-great-grandchild; his sister, Susie Ragle; and a wide circle of family and friends, all touched by his love and kindness. A special thank you to his sister Susie, as well as Mary Vaughn and Berry Vittow for their care and support.

Don's love, grace, unwavering faith, and lifelong devotion to his Church, along with the joy he brought to all who knew him, will continue to inspire generations to come.

Visitation will be Monday, October 13th, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, 5915 Outer Loop, Louisville, KY 40219. His Funeral Mass will be Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Athanasius, with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus of Louisville or Breast Cancer Awareness. Should you wish to send flowers, please have them delivered to Highlands Funeral Home prior to 2:00 p.m., or to St. Athanasius Catholic Church after 2:30 p.m.