Don Alfred Burns

Don A. Burns was born on February 20, 1942 in Clarks, LA, to the late Ecker C. Burns, Jr. and Mary Lee McCully. Don was the eldest of seven children; James (Ray), Patricia, Danny, Glenn, Shawntella and Yulinda.

On Tuesday morning, November 10, 2015, Don peacefully completed his earthly journey as he transitioned from this life with family by his side. He fought a long and courageous battle with Dementia and Parkinsons Disease.

Don, confessed Christ as his Savior and he let everyone know it. He set aside time each day to study God’s word and would invite you to do the same.

On October 19, 1963 Don married his first love Ella Mae Irving. That union was blessed with one daughter, Lori Ann.

Don was graced with love again with Bernice Mikes and that union was blessed with two children, Yvonne Marie and Deon Allen. Don’s daughter, Lori Ann and Bernice’s children, Phillip, Vanessa and Daphne completed their family.

Don attended Irvington ES and graduated from Benson Polytechnic HS in 1960. Where he developed his passion that began his life long career as an electrician. After graduation Don completed a four-year term in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in July of 1964.

In 1968 Don and Bernice moved the family to Anchorage, Alaska where they remained for nearly 50 years. Don would always say, “Alaska has been good to me.” During these fifty years, Don was the first black man to be a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 1547) where he proudly worked for 40 years. Members remember Don for his great work ethic and his way of always accomplishing impossible tasks. Don helped to shape and rebuild Alaska; besides wiring many of the structures being built downtown in the 60’s and 70’s, he worked on the Great Alaska Pipeline, Anchorage School District, and Exxon Valdez oil spill. Even after retirement Don stayed really busy helping neighbors, family and friends with electrical issues.

There are so many memories we’re going to miss; him responding “Heeeey” in a way uniquely him; we’re going to miss the way he lit up a room just by entering into it, we’re going to miss his encouragement, his truth, his generosity, those toothpicks, the way he loves, the lessons he taught, and the ones we learned, oh, and his laugh, the way he calls our names, watching the games together, dancing in the middle of the day. The way he could strike a conversation with anyone, we’re going to miss listening to “Something About The Name Jesus” over and over and over again, we miss the way he lived his life and on his own terms. We recognize these traits in ourselves…we are him.

Don was a member the local R & B band “Soul Suite” opening for main talents such as; James Brown, Wolf Man Jack and numerous Jerry Lewis telethons in Anchorage.

In 1974 the real love of his life was produced, a fully customized 1974 Cadillac Eldorado he proudly named “Mosoul”

His other great loves were his family, cooking and watching his favorite football and basketball teams. Don was a great cook, developing his own brand of chili and homemade Bar B Que Sauce he branded "First, Second, Third Degree Burns” each degree had a unique level of heat.

Don took great pride and was meticulous in his appearance. In addition to his tailored suits with shoes to match, it was his smile that was his greatest accessory.

Don was preceded in death by all three of his parents, E.C. Burns, Jr., his mother Mary Lee Lewis, and his second dad Walter Lee Lewis, whom he loved and respected dearly, and grandson Lamar Jaray Hart.

The memories made during Don’s life will always be cherished by his children: Phillip Mikes, Vanessa Bletson, Daphne Bussey, Yvonne Floyd, Lori (Shawn) Martin, Deon (Ayesha) Burns; siblings, James Ray (Helen) Burns, Patricia (Roosevelt) Lewis, Danny Lewis, Glenn Lewis, Shawntella Lewis, Yulinda (Wayne) Highsmith; 29 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.