Burke Wayne Donaldson, age 65, beloved Father, Grandfather, brother, and Uncle, departed this life October 13, 2023, in Apache Junction, Arizona, of natural causes.
He was born August 13, 1958, in Mesa, Arizona, to James Roosevelt Donaldson and Nadine Cole Donaldson. He was the only boy in the family of three older sisters, Cynthia Donaldson Wood, Pamela Donaldson Harris, and Debra Donaldson Hubbs.
Burke attended school in Mesa and lived his whole life in the area including Queen Valley and Apache Junction. He married Vanessa White on September 20, 1975. They were the parents of James Terrel Donaldson (Mortensen) and divorced in the early 1980’s. He then married Terry Christel Martin, May 14, 1983. She had two children, Jamie Christel German and Todd Scott German. Three children were born to them: Wesley Cole, Calie Melissa, and Clint Samuel. They were married 23 years, divorcing in 2006 but remaining good friends.
Burke was very handy with his hands as he did remodeling of his parents’ home. He became a very skilled house painter with a special talent for finishing work on doors and cabinets, teaching his boys the trade. He loved the outdoors and spent many hours fishing from his boat or shore fishing in Roosevelt Lake being a member of Bass Busters and participating in many tournaments. He also enjoyed the deer and elk hunts each year and even javelina with his dad, being very proficient with hunting bows and rifles. He earned his “Arizona Firearms and Safety Training” at age 10! Burke loved his dogs and seemed to never be without one to love and be his companion. His last one was Sassy, a little Chihuahua. She never left his side.
He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his numerous posterity: 4 living children, 2 stepchildren, 22 Grandchildren, 1 Great Grandchild, 3 sisters, 7 sons-in-law, and 16 nieces and nephews. Surviving family includes: James Terrel Donaldson (Mortensen) and Mindee, Brody Mortensen, Cole Mortensen, Haley Mortensen; Jamie Christel Mancell & Tavis Mancell, Zoey Ogeltree, Knollen llardi; Levi Ogeltree, Logan Ogletree, Zeryka Holbrook, Kenneth Holbrook, Todd Scott German & Amanda German, Nathan German; Wesley Cole Donaldson, Angelina Donaldson, Wesley Donaldson, Neveha Donaldson; Calie Melissa Devine & Charles Murphy, Keegan Devine, RiverMae Devine, Willow Murphy, Blazely Murphy; Clinton Samuel Donaldson & Mindy Beaver, Bella Donaldson, Emma Donaldson, Xylis Wayne Donaldson, Madie Beaver, Marlee Beaver. Sisters, Cynthia Donaldson Wood, Pamela Donaldson Harris, and Debra Donaldson Hubbs.
Funeral services will be held Saturday October 28, at the LDS chapel located at 7752 East McDowell Road, Mesa, Arizona, at 11:00 AM.
I’m so sorry for your loss of Burke. I list my sister Margaret Britton Dyer Last year on 9/03/22.