Donna Buckner, Community News Editor, areas@chickashanews.com
The Express-Star
—
Donald Eugene Burns was born May 28, 1944 in Cement to Gentry Willard and Hazel Helena Sanders Burns. He left this earth to make his eternal home with Jesus on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at his residence, following a lengthy illness. He was 68 years old.
Don was a retired law enforcement officer. Don started playing music at age 7 when his father taught him to play guitar. His mother was an Assembly of God minister and he played in church for years. In 1972, he started playing the banjo. He was an exceptionally gifted banjo picker and tenor singer, playing full-time in bluegrass/gospel bands over the past 22 years.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gentry and Hazel Burns.
His family members who are left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Sharlene Morgan Burns, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Roxey Burns of Wilber, NE; a son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Rebecca Burns of College Station, Texas; a stepson, Michael Morgan of Chickasha; a stepdaughter, Steffanie Morgan of Chickasha; eleven grandchildren, Whitney, Chance, Keisha, Dustin, Amber, and Crystal Burns of Wilber, NE; Chase Burns of Moore; Siearra Burns of Eakly; Taylor, Noah, and Matthew Burns of College Station, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Maddon Burns of Moore; Kirby Jackson of Eakly; Kolbey, Audrina, Lucy, Paisley and Brynlee Burns of Wilber, NE; a “brother” S. David Real of Wellston; and a host of friends.
Private services were held by the family.
