BURNETT, Donald (Don) Fredrick

Wilcox Range News, Wilcox, AZ ~ 10/20/2010 Donald Burnett 1926-2010 Donald Burnett, lifelong resident of the Sulphur Springs Valley, died Sept. 16, 2010, at the Tucson home of his best friend and companion of 21 years, Myrtle Conn. Born in Douglas, Ariz., on Nov. 29, 1926, Don was the youngest of five children born to Roscoe and Ethel Burnett. He grew up on the Burnett Ranch nine miles north of Elfrida, Ariz. He attended school at Pearce, Ariz. for 12 years, followed by a hitch in the U.S. Navy (Pacific) and at war's end returned to the home ranch and married Laura Dalton on April 24, 1948. Following 10 years of construction work, he partnered with brothers Bob and Jim Burnett raising cattle and general crops for the next 15 years. In 1973, Don took over the management of Spitler Land and Cattle and Don's Pipe Company, a position he held for 25 years when the farm was sold. Don retired at age 72. Since his retirement Don and Myrt have spent their summers in Sunsites and winters in Kino Bay, Mexico. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Ethel Burnett; his wife of 39 years, Laura (Dalton) Burnett; his sister, Margaret Weltz, his brother Bob Burnett, and his son-in-law, Ron Skaggs. Survivors include his companion, Myrtle Conn; daughters, Penny Elaine Skaggs and Wilma Ethel Hirschinger (and husband, Whitey); his brother Ted and wife Kordi, his brother Jim and wife Alice; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who all love him dearly. Don's ashes will be laid to rest at the Pearce Cemetery at Noon on Saturday, Dec. 4, followed by a memorial at the V.F.W. post in Sunsites, Ariz. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity in Don's name.