Donald R. Burns

Donald R. Burns, Sr., 82, of Early, IA, passed away on April 3, 2024, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, IA, after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Hesper Friends Church, Eudora, KS, with Rev. Jerry Mercer, officiating. Burial will be at Hesper Friends Church cemetery.

Donald Ray Burns, Sr. was born in San Diego, CA on November 23, 1941, the son of Lloyd Edward and Elsie Myrtle Burns. Don graduated from Eudora High School in 1960. Following graduation, he moved to Effingham, KS, where he met Sylvia L. Hamon, and the two married on October 5, 1963. The couple had three children. They were divorced in 1970.

Don married Alicia Miranda on October 9, 1971, in Omaha, NE. Don helped Alicia raise her children. Alicia unfortunately lost her life in a car accident 17 years into the marriage.
Don moved to Iowa in 1989 and reconciled with Sylvia. They spent 28 years together, until Sylvia passed away in 2019.

Don’s years of employment included working as a bakery assistant for many years in Omaha, doing construction work, and finally working at a turkey processing plant in Iowa.

Don enjoyed hobbies such as doing puzzles and practicing his skills in his woodworking shop. Don crafted tractors, a toy box, TV entertainment center, flower baskets, and other items, which he gave to family and friends. Don especially loved caring for and spoiling his dog, Tuffy!

Don was preceded in death by:
His parents, Lloyd and Elsie Burns
Brother, Paul D. Burns
Sister, Betty C. Mason
Step-sister, LaDonna Schmidt
Sister-in-law, Lauretta Burns
Brother-in-law, Charles (Rockey) Mason
Grandson, Jamie L. Peters

Survivors include:
Daughters, Sherri L. Vesterby of Adel, IA and Sandra K. Kracht (James) of Aurelia, IA.
Sons, Donald R. Burns, Jr. (Lynann) of Spirit Lake, IA and Rick A. Burns of Sac City, IA.
Brothers, Gerald R. Burns (Pat) of Gardner KS, Leon Burns of Loredo, TX, and Larry Burns of Lincoln, NE.
Sisters, Denise Bonge (Bob) of Lincoln, NE, and Jan Tiffany (Marv) of York, NE.
Many grandchildren and great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews.