SSG. Donald Burton, U.S. Army (ret), age 66, of Boerne, Texas passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 11, 2025. He was born on Dec. 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 American (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.

A committal service with Full Military Honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 3, 2025, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Pastor Lee Weems officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery “FSH Memorial Service Detachment” at www.fortsamhoustonmsdhonorguard. org.

You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring. com. Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary North.

— PAID OBITUARY —