There could probably be a healthy debate about which Don loved more: home or home plate. He was always an avid ball player and coach. It all started with rocks and a broomstick when he was just a young boy. He loved to be on the ball diamond and summers were never long enough or had enough innings. He filled the winter gap with bowling leagues, but softball was his first love. He played softball well into his late seventies and was that little boy again when he got to go to the Red’s Fantasy Camp in Arizona for a week. In 2020 he was inducted into the Dayton Legends Hall of Fame for his accomplishments and contributions to the game of softball and the senior leagues in the Dayton area.
Don was foremost a devoted family man, father, husband, and hard worker. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years and obtained a Business degree from Sinclair Community College. He served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Dayton Food Trade Association. He later retired from a career as a buyer and food broker for several companies in the Dayton area.
Don is survived by his wife of 51 years, Brenda Burgess, and children Sharon Huston, Todd (Cherie) Mayes, Theresa (Eric) Salzer, and Chad (Jo) Mayes. He is also survived by his brother Michael (Anna) Hopkins, grandchildren: Kaylee (Will) Nowak, Matt (Mollie) Addis, Madison Mayes, Kelsey Mayes, Austin (Hannah) Salzer, Tabby (Jake) Fry, Chad Salzer, Reid Salzer and many cherished great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Morgan Clayton Burgess and Mollie Alice (Bohanan) Hopkins, as well as by his stepfather, Eugene Hopkins.
The family wishes to thank Vitas Hospice Care, the staff at Wickshire Senior Living, and his many supportive friends and ball teammates.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Wounded Warriors Project (woundedwarriorproject.org), about which Don cared deeply, or to a charity of your choice.
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