Lewis Donald “Don” Burwell, 94, died peacefully on September 1, 2022, at Ashford Place in Shelbyville, Indiana.
He was born November 1, 1927, in Altona, Illinois to Queenie Belle Ogden and Arlie Edwin Burwell.
In 1938 his family moved from Illinois to Shelbyville, Indiana. In Shelbyville, he would spend the rest of his childhood and later life.
Don graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1946, earning his coveted SHS letter “S” in football and the Shop Award. After graduation, he and several of his 1946 SHS classmates enlisted in the US Army. He served with the post-WWII occupational forces in the Pacific, specifically in Japan. His military service was from September 1946 to his Honorable Discharge in January 1948.
He married his lifelong love and best friend, Betty Lou Comstock, on January 22 1948. His first 15 years of work were in Shelbyville with Chambers Range and Chambers Aircraft Companies. In 1966 his continued education led him to Allison Gas and Turbine Division of General Motors as a tool designer. He retired from Allisons after 25 years in 1991.
He was a devoted husband, father, avid sportsman, fisherman, and athlete. He was proud of his Shelbyville “Home Town” heritage and resided there for over 80 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and supported the local VFW.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Queenie and Arlie, his wife Betty, and brother, Everett Burwell.
He is survived by his sons, Rich Burwell (Joan) and Ron Burwell (Linda). His grandchildren are Sean Connors, Michael Burwell, Benjamin Burwell, Sara Burwell/Hamilton (Eddie), and David Lennen. His sisters-in-law are Joan Burwell (Seattle) and Barbara Gruver (Illinios). His nieces are JoMichelle Tange (Seattle), Joni Kay Burwell (Seattle) Jackie Lynn Jensen (Oklahoma City), and Janet Woolever (Seattle).
No visitation is scheduled.
A graveside service will be held in Miller Cemetery on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jose Rivera officiating.
Military honors will be conducted by local veteran organizations.
A funeral procession will leave Murphy-Parks Funeral Service 703 S Harrison St. Shelbyville, IN at 10:30 a.m. for the 11 a.m. graveside service in Miller Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post 2695 at 1622 E St. Rd. 44, Shelbyville, IN. 46176, or The American Legion Post 70 at 1125 Miller Ave, Shelbyville, IN. 46176, or to the donor’s favorite charity.
