Don Louis Burnett, 75, of Oakdale died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at St. Francis Hospital, San Francisco.

He was a native of Conway, Arkansas. He relocated to Turlock in 1943 and eventually attended Turlock High School where he excelled in all sports, earning trophies in football and baseball.

Mr. Burnett joined the U.S. Marine Corp prior to high school graduation. During his four years in the military he enjoyed a full year of service in Japan before his honorable discharge as a Sergeant.

Upon his return to the Central Valley, he studied at Modesto Junior College and married Leota Waltman.

His professional life was defined by his more than 35 years in the Asbestos Workers Union #16 as a general foreman over all the crafts. Of his many accomplishments during his long career, the most memorable may have been the year he worked in Prudhoe Bay, AK overseeing the assembly of a modular oil refinery feeding the Alaskan Pipeline.

Being a lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, he became an active and competitive member of the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. He thoroughly loved golfing with his many friends and fellow “Bandits.”

He and his wife Linda enjoyed many international trips together, exploring various famous golf courses and other interesting sites around the globe. Domestically, they and their many friends covered thousands of miles together each year in their motor home. He loved to garden and raised a great vegetable garden each year.

He had a great wit and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Stotts-Burnett; his sons, David (Miho) Burnett, Christopher Burnett; daughter, Nancy (Richard) McCampbell; stepdaughters, Debbi (Bill) Bailey, Robin (Chuck) Boday, Stefani Jones; brother, Steve Burnett; sister, Jan Ozuna; three grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Leota Waltman; and sisters, Alice Foglia and Ruth Foglia.

Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.