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1920 - 2008
 Donald Gordon Burgess age 87 of Greenville passed away Friday October 3, 2008 at his home in Green Acres Retirement Living. He was born in Greenville on November 9, 1920 the son of Daniel and Veva Buttermore Burgess. He was a graduate of Greenville High School with the class of 1939 and was a decorated veteran of the US Army in WW II serving from 1942 to 1945 in the South West Pacific Theater in New Guinea and Luzon Philippine Islands with Co E 123rd Infantry, 2nd BN of the 33rd Division. He attended over 50 reunions with his Company and had become one of the last surviving members. He was retired from the Gibson Refrigerator Co with 42 and ½ years service. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 101 of Greenville and the V.F.W Post # 5065 of Sheridan. He served as a referee with the Michigan High School Athletic Association for many years and had refereed with Bill Gerke and Stan Kemps crew. He also was an avid University of Michigan fan.
He was married on July 6, 1946 to Ruth A. Macklin and after 58 years of a loving marriage she preceded him in death on September 5, 2004. His brothers Lyle, Leon and Dale Burgess and his sister Pauline Rentschler also preceded him in death.
He was a well loved and respected gentleman and especially to his family treating his sons wifes as his own daughters. His later years spent living at his new home at Green Acres was made possible because of the loving care by the staff.
He is survived by his sons David and Barbara Burgess of Ionia and James and Sandra Burgess of Byron Center, Grandchildren: Jennifer J. and Chad Jorstad of Wyoming, Jennifer S. and Doug Rose of Jenison and Jason Burgess, great grandchildren; Erika, Erinne and William Jorstad and Alyceia Rose and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 8, 2008 at 11 AM from Hurst Funeral Home with a visitation from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Tuesday. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memory Gardens with military honors provided by the American Legion and VFW Posts. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Diabetes Association or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. |
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There are currently 7 condolences.
Steven Parker
Monday October 6, 2008 at
8:56 AM
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David and Barb...Sorry to read about your Dad, David. Hearing you talk about him for all these years I can tell he was a good man and will be sorely missed. He lived a long life and was greatly loved and I'm sure you guys all carry many fond memories. Steve and Kris
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Dave & Joanne Willmore
Monday October 6, 2008 at
6:50 AM
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Dave,Jim and families,Our prayers and thoughts are with. Don was a great friend and neighbor.
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Linda Johnson Jacob
Sunday October 5, 2008 at
5:43 PM
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Dear Jim, Dave & family, I was so sorry to hear your Dad passed away. Your parents were such wonderful friends and neighbors to my parents, Ron & Marguerite Johnson. Our family will miss Don and we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
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Bill & Judy Johnson
Saturday October 4, 2008 at
8:02 PM
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Dave, Jim and all: We sure thought a lot of your dad. He was always so pleasant and fun to be around. We will see you at the visitation for Don.
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Shirley Braman
Saturday October 4, 2008 at
11:39 AM
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I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I worked with him for several years at Gibson's and he always had a joke for me.
Sincerely,
Shirley Braman
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Bill & Judy Johnson
Friday October 3, 2008 at
8:03 PM
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sorry to learn that Dan has passed away. What a great guy. Always enjoyed talking sports with him over the years.
We know you will miss him. Thanks for the call. See you soon.
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The Fred McGowan Family
Friday October 3, 2008 at
5:14 PM
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Dear Jim and David and families,
Thanks for the call about your Dad.
Your folks were best friends to our parents and very supportive of Fred after our Mom died. Then when your mom was gone, your dad continued to visit Fred regularly. Your dad always was happy, a wealth of local history, and just pleasant to be around. We will miss him and will keep you and your families in our prayers.
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