CONFIRMED: Donald W. Burton, Retired, Veteran, US Army (189-25) 3 Oct 25
2117 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
USA
US ARMY RETIRED VETERAN
The family of Mr. Donald W. Burton, a US Army (Ret.) Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
SSG. Donald Burton, U.S. Army (Ret), age 66, of Boerne, Texas passed away peacefully at his home on September 11, 2025. He was born on December 4, 1958, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the son of Sarah and Thomas Burton, his father was a U.S. Army retired Master Sergeant. Donald grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Oak Park High School in 1977. He attended Missouri Western State College.
Donald served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army. Although his military career was brief, he demonstrated a high order of professional ability, sound judgment, and a mature outlook. Donald’s distinctive service as Senior Weapons SGT Sep 91 -July 93 Combat Diver, Airborne A co 3/7th Special Forces, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Other areas of operation Camp Stanton Korea, Mobile Chaparral Missile launching Station, 7th Air Defense Artillery Fort Ord, California, United States Army Garrison Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 1st of the 39th Field artillery Gun Chief Fort Bragg, North Carolina and the 82nd Airborne Division Fort Bragg, North Carolina,
His citation read “demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness and superlative commitment to the 7th Special Forces Group and its mission. His tireless effort and deep devotion to duty reflects great credit on him, the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the United States Army.”
While on a mission with the 7th Special Forces Group in Peru, South America, Donald sustained a C4/C5 injury that left him a quadriplegic and medically retired from the U.S. Army. It is during this time of new beginnings, Donald found his purpose in life and for over 32 years has volunteered to advocate for the needs of others.
He participated with the Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital Volunteer Services for over 17 years and has volunteered with various organizations to include: President of the Texas Disabled Veterans Association (TDVA), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a member of the Disabled Veterans (DAV), American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the Special Forces Association Chapter XV.
Realizing the need for more representation for veterans with spinal cord injuries, Donald was part of the original three that started monthly meetings with the hospital director at that time, the late Mr. Jose Coronado, Director of Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital.
He was the driving force in raising funding from 2012 – Feb 2020 working alongside then Director, Marie Weldon, to install and provide WI-FI service to include SCI inpatient, outpatient, recreation center, Main Hospital recreation center, GLA and PTRP. Donald was the contributing force for the multiple computer set-ups and configurations in software that are in place today at SCI, including the ECU’s bedside for patients in recovery and therapy. Donald worked tirelessly to ensure patients had access to the Internet, email communication, and “Dragon-speak” software. He was also involved with the Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program (PTRP).
In early January of 2016, Donald made a phone call to Mr. Dorman Vick of the Boerne-Samuel V. Champion High School welding department with a request for help with designing a hunting blind that would allow him to continue a lifelong passion for hunting. This simple phone call began a journey of love, service, and transformation for both Donald and the students. At first it seemed a straightforward request to build a hunting blind on the back of a bumper-pull trailer soon became a labor of love for all involved. The students poured their talent and love into the project and built Donald a fully customized mobile hunting blind trailer from the ground up that would give him a renewed sense of freedom. Donald would regularly return to speak to the students, sharing his story, his struggles, and his strength. He never stopped fighting, never gave up, never stopped giving. Donald leaves us with love, purpose, and service. ‘If you’re going to serve, do it all the way and with your heart.’
Donald is survived by his wife of 23 years, Patricia, his brother Steve, and sisters, Janice, and Lucy, their two adult children and four grandchildren, and his faithful service dog, BamBam.
WEATHER: Hi 91 / Lo 70, 0 % Chance of Rain, 73 % Humidity, Wind: 3 mph NNE
REQUESTOR: Patricia Burton, Wife
STAGING: 10:00 am, Friday, October 3, 2025
Ebb Tide Lounge
2117 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/4sMDzLt1L3RavAzh7
BRIEFING: 10:15 am
KSU: 10:30 am (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 11:00 am – Shelter #1 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92
RC: Craig “Last Draftee” Hunter
Harleyman51@verizon.net
FC: Charles “Music Man” Jones
Cj083206@gmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers
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