Donald Dale Burton died March 23, 2024, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 79 years 7 months 20 days leaving behind a legacy of honor and dedication. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2024, at Union Hill Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, Oklahoma, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Don was born August 3, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Dale Warren and Anna Grace (Gothard) Burton. Don’s formative years were spent in Oklahoma City, where he excelled academically and athletically, graduating from Southeast High in 1962 as an all-state wrestler with a passion for semipro football.
He began his higher education at Central State College before answering the call to defend his country on July 15, 1963. Don embarked on a distinguished career in the United States Air Force as a electronic warfare specialist, weather maintenance technician, solar optical telescope technician and special operations that spanned over two decades. This set his family on a wild adventure of traveling across the world; from Mississippi to Spain. With unwavering pride and commitment, he served until his honorable discharge on July 31, 1983, earning numerous decorations, medals, and accolades for his exemplary service, as well as completing his master’s degree.
Linda Gayle Hawkins became his cherished partner on February 8, 1964, in Oklahoma City. Together they traversed the landscape of life’s adventures with a shared love for travel, ministry, missions and family. Post-military life saw Don embrace a new chapter as an electrical engineer. An avid traveler at heart, Don orchestrated memorable family escapades to all fifty states, even including Hawaii and Alaska. Overseas they enjoyed visiting China, Thailand, Vietnam, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico and most of Europe. His zeal for discovery extended to cruises, RV expeditions, and fishing trips that enriched cherished memories. Whether casting lines into waters or venturing into the wilderness on a hunt, Don found joy in God’s creation.
Craftsmanship was not only a skill but a passion for Don - be it woodworking or reviving homes with meticulous care. Collaboratively with Linda by his side, they built four homes from the ground up and renovated over eighteen others - imbuing each project with their unique touch.
A beacon of faith within his community, Don’s devotion shone brightly through roles such as deacon and church leader. He was an active member at Union Hill Baptist Church. His profound love for scripture illuminated lives as he imparted wisdom and spiritual teachings to all who crossed his path.
In moments of leisure, Don reveled in simple joys like reading westerns or telling jokes while passing down his wisdom to his children and grandchildren - embodying values of love and tradition. Family bonds were sacrosanct to him; every milestone celebrated with dominoes or card games where his competitive spirit found delight rarely in defeat. Don’s essence lives on through the hearts he has touched - a tapestry woven with threads of dedication, compassion, and unwavering love for family and faith.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Anna Grace Burton; and his brother, Jerry Warren Burton.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Burton; his two daughters, Kathryn Young and husband, Jim, and Kristin Moseley; his four grandchildren, Gentry Young, Kyrie Young, Kyler Moseley and Caedon Moseley; his brother-in-law, Bob Hawkins and wife, Clara; his nieces and nephews; Melissa O’Brien and children, Joseph Kent, Matthew Kent, Savanna O’Brien and Sean O’Brien; Teresa Shrum and husband, John, and their children, Tiffany Shrum and Jeremy Shrum; Diane Zander and husband, David, and their daughter Micah; Bobby Hawkins and wife, Carla, and their children, John Hawkins and Sara Boomer; Carla Dodson and husband, Chuck, and their children, Brad Dodson and Ryan Dodson; Ronnie Hawkins and wife, Kim, and grand- nephews, Tyler Hawkins and Trent Hawkins; Susan Conviser and husband, Don; Donna Jett, Jennifer Simmons, Reyna Wilcox; and numerous other relatives and friends.
