Donald C. Burkett, 84 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Michigan went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 1, 2015 at Wellspring Lutheran Services in Monroe.
Born September 8, 1930 in Monroe, Don was the son of the late Clauideus and Myrna (Knapp) Burkett. Don attended school in Monroe and was a 1948 graduate of Monroe High School. He went on to receive his B.A. from Adrian College in 1952 and his Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1959. Don was a Boy Scout where through hard work he was awarded Eagle Rank.
Don served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army from 1952-1954. He was stationed in Augsburg Germany.
In November of 1965, Don married his beloved wife, the former Glendine "Glennie" Smith Garrett at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Sadly she preceded him in death on February 11, 2010 after 44 years of marriage.
Don was employed as a teacher for Monroe Public Schools teaching Government at Monroe High School from 1967 until his retirement in 1986. Prior to Monroe High School he taught at Summerfield Schools, Custer Schools and for Mason Consolidated Schools.
Don was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher, Alpha Tau Omega, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, Michigan Education Association and The Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors, where he was known as "Mr. Mason". Don will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Don is survived by his son and daughter in law: Dennis J. and Barbara (Rassel) Garrett of Charleston, SC, three treasured grandchildren: Erica (Scott) Ensminger, and Matthew and Sean Garrett, all of South Carolina and two cherished great grandchildren: Samuel and Tyler Ensminger and a sister: Myrna (Reed) Romine of Medway, OH.
In addition to his wife and parents, Don was preceded in death by two brothers: Robert and Lawrence.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI 48161. On Wednesday, May 6, 2015 he will lie in state at St. Paul's United Methodist Church from 10:00 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Evans C. Bentley, pastor of the church, will officiate. interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul's United Methodist Church.