Burnett, Donald Buford     

 GILMER -- Graveside services for Donald Buford Burnett, 
77 of Waller, Texas, will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 17, 
2006 at the Kelsey Cemetery in the Kelsey Community of 
Upshur County. Mr. Burnett passed away Tuesday, July 11, 
2006, in Houston. Don was born September 1, 1929, in 
Kelsey, Texas, to Donnie Odell Burnett and Loretta Maye 
Alexander Burnett. He was an active member of The Church 
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was preceded in 
death by his parents and a son, Wade Burnett. Don is 
survived by his wife of 53 years, Linnie Shirlene Wade 
Burnett; son and daughter-in-law, Bradford and Diane 
Steele Burnett; daughters and sons-in-law, Mika and 
Harold Bilich, Randi and Richard Rainer, Heather Schmidt, 
Christie and Cliff Atzenhoffer, and Pennie and Harry 
Bounds; brother, James Burnett; sister, Colleen McNight; 
grandchildren, Jana, Wade, Devon, Jeffery, Tanya, Heidi, 
Samantha, Harold "Hal" Jr., Jennifer, Linzie, Bobbie 
Wendie, Jayme, Nathan, Sophia and Wyatt; 
great-grandchildren, Joy, Chase, Jacob, Kennedy, Brenden, 
Dylan, Madison, Jacob, Krestyn and Kyle. Don graduated 
from USL, Lafayette, La. with a bachelor of science 
degree in geology. He was a retired executive geologist 
in energy exploration. He was a military veteran having 
served in the Navy Seabees during the Korean War. In 
earlier years, he served a key role in shaping many 
lives as a troop leader in both Boy Scouts and Girl 
Scouts. He loved camping and all aspects of nature. He 
loved feeding wild birds and had wild ducks in the yard 
everyday. Don loved Nascar, guns and hunting, and was an 
avid reader. He was very personable and loved making new 
friends anywhere he went. Don especially loved his 
children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking 
an active role in their lives. He was a very devoted 
husband and excellent caregiver to his wife, Shirlene. 
Visitation will be at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer, 
6-8 p.m. today July 16, 2006. In lieu of flowers, please 
make donations to The Kelsey Cemetery Association, c/o 
Denise Craig, 2107 Highway 155 N., Gilmer, Texas 75644.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 7/16/2006