THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 1, 1996 TAG: 9605010354
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
Col. Donald Ray Burns, 67, a native of Mineral Wells, Texas, died Friday, April 26, 1996, at his home.
Born January 2, 1929, to Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Burns, he grew up as an ``All-American boy'' delivering papers and starring on his high school football team. Upon leaving Mineral Wells, Don pursued his lifelong dream by becoming an Air Force fighter pilot. Don showed his superior ability as a pilot in the cockpit of many aircraft, including the F-84 Thunderstreak, F-86 Sabrejet, and the F-4C fighting machine. Known as ``The Texas Rattler,'' he was awarded many times for his flying prowess during the Vietnam War. Included in his awards are four distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, a Silver Star with cluster, two Purple Hearts, and the POW medal.
On Dec. 2, 1966, Don began what would prove to be one of his greatest challenges. As a 6 1/2 year prisoner of war in the notorious ``Hanoi Hilton,'' his unwavering will to live inspired his fellow prisoners to survive the horrors of the POW camp with courage, determination and hope.
Don retired from the Air Force in 1977 after 26 years of service. Since that time he co-founded the Lee Group, sharpened his golf skills at the Kingsmill Country Club, and continued to be an inspiration to those who knew and loved him. During his illness, Don showed the same determination and courage that enabled him to survive Vietnam.
His strength, courage and zest for life have been an inspiration to his wife, Margarite; his children, Michelle Jacobs, Michael Jacobs, Dee Massie, and Darrell Burns; and his grandchildren, Fallin Massie and Alexandra Jacobs. He is also survived by his brother, Frank Burns, and his sister, Annette Lackland.
A graveside service with full military honors and flyover will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 1996, at the Arlington National Cemetery with Gen. Larry E. Welch, U.S. Air Force, retired, and RADM Douglas L. Johnson, MSC, USNR, officiating. Memorials may be made to Mother Theresa's Sisters of Charity, 335 East 145th St., New York, N.Y. 10451. Arrangements are by W.J. Smith and Son Funeral Home, Newport News. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB