Donald Burden

Donald Ray Burden

Donald Ray Burden left this world on Saturday, September 14, 2024 to be with his beloved wife Sylvian Margaret Burden, and two sons Robin and Christopher Burden.

Don was born on February 10, 1933 in Sayre, OK to HL “Skeet” Burden and Myrtle Willie Burden who have also preceded him in death. 

Those left to treasure his memory are his son Donnie Burden; sisters Donna Smith and Jo Ann Newman; granddaughters Nicole Burden and Tiffaney Whited; great grandchildren Janette, Joseph Montoya, Serenity Granado, Jazlyn and Maryann Whited. Also surviving him are several nephews and nieces. Don will be greatly missed.

Don proudly served our country in the United States Navy during the Korean war and received many honors. He then continued with college for business at UNM where he graduated with honors. In the 30 years of knowing Don, we never had a cross word with one another, if something came up, we would discuss it. Yet no matter what he always said to me “Ted it’s whatever you think is best.” Don helped so many people, even the ones he did not know, he had the biggest heart and was so loved by his family. He always remain my best friend and in our hearts. Don loved you, Ted. Sugundo was another friend of Don’s for 43 years, with a heavy grateful heart, I am very blessed that our Lord blessed you with his presents. My friend, my father figure, mostly my mentor in his last days we shared. So many memories, all were funny and some sad. One of our most funniest memory was parachuting when you tore off he had to go retrieve himself as he bent down he said to me “ I stepped on to a bear trap it clamed me down it wasn’t as bad as when I reached the end of the chain.” I laughed the loudest! To my friend Don, I love you with my highest respect as my father figure and my mentor, may you be at Peace.

Dad, from Donnie, I will always love you and miss so dearly, I will miss all the times when you taught me to become a man, a hard worker and a good dad. But most of all I will miss all the time we had shared together within my heart forever. Take care of mom and my brothers. Rest in peace dad! Forever you son Donnie.

Grandpa, from all of us kids we can not express how much you meant to us all, how grateful we all were to you as our grandfather. We all love you so very much and will you more than anything in this world. Our hearts, our learnings and greatest of how to be the best helping hands to others. May our Lord keep you safe and love you to have peace within your passing, Nicole, Janette, Joseph, Serenity, Jazlyn and Maryann.

A rosary will be held at 9:30 am, Saturday, October 5, 2024 at St. Peters Catholic Church with mass to follow at 10:00 am. Don will be placed in the St. Peters Columbarium.