Don K. Burgess

Don K. Burgess, 85, of Fults, IL, died January 11, 2025, in Fults, IL. He was born December 12, 1939, in Paducah, KY.

He is survived by his wife, Stella J. Burgess (nee Schiffner); children Concetta "Jetta" Burgess, Shawn (Jennifer) Burgess, and step-daughter Heather (Mike) Woodcock; grandchildren Samantha, Wyatt, and Brett Burgess and Amelia, Charlotte and Wyatt Woodcock; great-grandson Hayden Doerhoff; sister Carolyn Dunevant; brother Larry (Nita) Burgess; sister-in-law; brother-in-law; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents William Burgess and Helen Marie Barron (nee Wiman) and sisters Betty Dillon and Janice Russelburg.

Don is a United States Navy Veteran and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. When Don left the military, he settled in St. Louis and worked in the Ford plant. He leaned into his strong union beliefs, moving up the ranks and serving the membership of UAW Local 325 until he was appointed to the UAW International staff in the Ford Department. Don retired a Service Rep. for UAW Region 5 in 2003. In his retirement he was able to do what he really loved, living a quiet life in the country with his wife, tending to their horses, and visiting with their children and grandchildren often. Don was a champion ranch sorter in both Illinois and Arizona, where he and Stella spent many winters together.

Don was a loving and supportive husband, father and Paw Paw and will be missed by many.

Private family services were held.