Donald Burns

Donald (Don) Andrew Burns, 79, of Zillah passed away on Saturday, December 14th, 2013 at the same home where he was born to P.L. (Bud) and Helen (Hovde) Burns on October 18th, 1934. Don attended Zillah schools and graduated with the class of 1953. During this time, he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. After high school while attending YVC he was considered an outstanding third baseman for two years. During this time, he met his first wife Betty Luepke. Upon graduating from YVC, Don entered the Army and completed basic training at Colorado Springs. Before being stationed in Germany, he was married to Betty on July 10th, 1956. His first son Gregg Alan was born in Nurenburg on May 29th, 1957. Following his Army discharge, the family returned to Zillah where Don became a 3rd generation orchardist. Jefferey Carle, born on April 6th, 1962 continues to farm Burns’ Orchards as the 4th generation. After Betty’s unexpected passing on January 10th, 1987, Don continued to dedicate his life to farming, and was also involved in many community activities. He demonstrated his leadership skills as a member and president of the Zillah Lutheran Church until the present. Don was also active in the Zillah Booster Club, Zillah Alumni Association, and Northwest Carnival Glass Club. Don was a talented bass vocalist who especially loved singing with the Zillah Community Choir. Don had “gold fever” and enjoyed many days dredging in frigid waters of Idaho and Washington. His many interests included bowling, hunting, fishing, watching the Seahawks, and supporting Zillah High School sports. On February 14th, 1988 Don married Joanne Carlisle and gained three step children. Don and Joanne enjoyed collecting antiques, going to sporting events, and playing pinochle and other card games with close friends. They were able to enjoy trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Washington D.C., Orlando, and Disneyland. In January 2013, Don was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme. Don faced this challenge with much courage and determination by continuing to help in the orchard, going to ball games, and visiting with his friends at coffee. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife. He is survived by his wife Joanne, his sons Gregg (Genie) and Jeff (Lorri), brother Ed and his daughter Kari (Joel), and step children Pam (Darrin), Bryan (Rob), and Craig (Carri). Don also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Viewing will be from 10 AM - 6 PM Friday, December 20th at Valley Hills in Zillah. Services will be held on Saturday, December 21st, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Zillah Nazarene Church, 203 Miles Drive. Interment will follow at the Zillah Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the church following interment. Memorials may be made to the Zillah Alumni Scholarship Fund. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 872, Zillah, WA 98953. Arrangements are being made by Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah. Online tributes can be left at valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Burns, please visit our flower store.