Donald Bayard Burnett's Obituary
Donald B. Burnett, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Garden Valley, CA on February 14th, 2020.
He was born on December 16th, 1945 in Alameda, CA to parents Bayard and Ethel Burnett. He had two older sisters, Marian, and Edna.
He married Beverly A. Neuens on April 29th, 1967, in his hometown Alameda. They had three children during their marriage - William, Robert, and David.
Donald graduated from Arroyo High School in 1964. He excelled in competitive dance roller skating in his teen years. With the war in Vietnam occurring and the draft in place, he enlisted in the US Army and fought for our country through the Tet Offensive in Vietnam in 1968. He earned 5 medals, including a purple heart.
Once honorably discharged, he pursued a career in Law Enforcement with the Oakland Police Department. He worked in many different areas and loved his career of 26 years with the OPD.
Don also pursued many other interests over the years. He was the Master of Acalanes Fellowship Masonic Lodge #480 in 1984. He helped with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He was assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 226, and enjoyed helping his sons Robert and David achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
He was a member of the Ragged Hunters Club since the 1970’s. He had a passion for deer hunting with his friends, traveling the country with Mom in the RV, and going to the NASCAR races. He was also very active with New Hope Community Church when he was home.
Don loved his family and friends dearly, and is survived by his wife Beverly, his sons William and Robert, his grandchildren Luke, Tyler, Dustin, Nathan, and Catie.
Funeral arrangements will be held on Saturday, February 29th, 2020, with viewing at 11:00AM, services at 12:00PM, and a graveside service at 2:30PM, at Chapel of the Chimes – Hayward, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544
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