Donald G. Burner
Donald G. Burner, age 93, of Quincy, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2015 in Blessing Hospital. He was born on October 17, 1921 in Quincy, a son of Walter F. & Elizabeth (Besinger) Burner. He married the love of his life, Oneta F. (Huner) Gray on June 30, 1958 in First Southern Baptist Church in Quincy. She preceded him in death on July 24, 2014.
Donald served in the Illinois National Guard 1937 to 1939 and in the U.S. Army from July 1944 through July 1946.
He was a long-time employee of Electric Wheel Co. Division of Firestone Tire Rubber Co., beginning in October of 1939 until his retirement as Department Manager in July of 1981. He then worked for Uptown Quincy.
He was an active life long member of Christ Lutheran Church in Quincy.
Donald’s retirement years were spent with his wife Oneta, enjoying travel destinations with Capitol Tours. Don and Oneta were inseparable, and often were seen walking hand-in-hand. He liked being outdoors, and taking care of maintaining his home and property of 53 years. Don was a perpetual tinkerer, and never gave up on a repair project without giving it his all.
He is survived by his children: Karen Cobb Schaefer and her husband Roger; Carl L. Gray II and his wife Joy of Quincy; Susie Elder and her husband Bill of Memphis, TN and Diane Donaldson and her husband Mark of Virden, IL; grandchildren, including Darian G. Cobb and his wife Shelly of Quincy and
Mallorie Weid-Summers and her husband Jake of Washington State.
Many in-laws, nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to his wife, Oneta, and his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Leslie Burner, Isidore Burner and Warren Lee Burner and a sister, Ruth Starkey.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home by Rev. Gayle Pope. Interment with military honors will be in Quincy Memorial Park.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh. Memorials are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church.
The well written obituary says who Don was and did. I had the pleasure of working with Don from 1972 until the close of EWC. Later, I knew him through his work with downtown, he was their best ambassador After, I would meet him at the HyVee with Oneta and at the Depot looking for project parts. Every visit with Don added to the pleasure of my day. He was a wonderful man.
My family would like to send sincere condolences to the Burner family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and hope from the bible promise at Isaiah 25:8. Pray constantly, avoid isolation, and lean on God as you cope during this most difficult time.
Karen and Family – I am sorry for your loss – My Dad worked with Don and Les at Electric Wheel and thought highly of them – I wish you peace