The family of Donald Erwin Burns, 79, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Don was born on April 3, 1942 and passed away at 79 years old on January 22, 2022, of natural causes.
Don joined the Navy on July 26, 1961. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1981 and then continued on with the Navy Reserves for 10 more years. Don was a Vietnam Veteran. He was awarded the National Defense Service medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Humanitarian Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; and four Good Conduct Awards.
After serving and retiring with the Navy, his civilian life began. He worked as a security guard and later moved to working in management for pest control companies for several years until he decided to fully retire. He often hosted gatherings and celebrations at his home and welcomed ALL. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing golf with friends and colleagues, and watching sports of all sorts. He was a huge fan of the Detroit Lions NFL team. He also cheered on the Michigan State College Football team. He was an all around Michigan sports fan as he was born and raised in Michigan.
Don is survived by his wife, Lolita; four children: Maria S. Hernandez-Burns Brown; Edward Burns; Bradley Burns; and Donald John Burns (Vicki); 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his great-grandson, Dominic William of San Diego, and his sister, Norma Jean Burns Rice of Michigan.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approx 15 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Friday 18 February 20220715 – Stage at Partridge Creek Mortuary, 10330 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, CA 92071
https://goo.gl/maps/TkTPnLfeiFq7LuH480730 - Mission briefing
0755 - Line up for Flagline designated by R/C
0800 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/b4ZzrT4nZwazqbMv70830 - Estimated arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
0900 – Full Military Honors
R/C Ken Brassell "Santa Ken"
SoCal PGR Ride Captainkenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
