Don Burleson

Don Rex Burleson, of Mexia, Texas, passed away early in the morning on April 29th, 2016, after several months of gradually deteriorating health, and two weeks of a more rapid decline. His wife , Rita, had passed away three years earlier, in May, 2013, and Don had missed her greatly. He made the most of the last three years, but he was ready to go to heaven and again be with her and other loved ones. Don was born in Frosa, Texas, near Prairie Hill, on June 3rd, 1934, and attended schools there as well. In 1952 he married Rita, and they were married for 61 years. Don was primarily a rancher and managed a herd of cattle most of his adult life. He was also an outstanding horseman and roper. He not only trained his own horses, but many others', and was one of the few men in Central Texas who could shoe a horse, a skill he learned from his maternal grandfather, Clem Reed, who was a blacksmith. In addition to ranching he worked in oil fields and on drilling rigs, at Varo in Mexia, and at the Mexia State School for many years. Don loved rodeos and westerns, but, even more, learning from the Bible and talking about God. With Rita, he served on the boards of several churches in Groesbeck for a number of years. He was known as "The Candy Man" at church because he loved to bring candy to the services for the children. Next to his family and God, perhaps most important to Don were the the many, many close friendships he had with others over the years. He loved helping friends and even acquaintances in times of need, and really appreciated those relationships. Don is survived by his two children, Brenda Burleson Pailes, and Jimmy Don Burleson, his son-in-law William Pailes, his daughter-in-law Eva Lawless Burleson, his only grandchild, Lacey Pailes, and the many friends in Texas whose lives he touched. Although he will be missed a very great deal by his family and friends, they rejoice that he is in heaven with Rita and our Lord, Jesus. So many people in Texas knew "Don and Rita", and it's hard to believe that they're no longer with us. But they're together again, and we know they're being a blessing to those on the other side. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 2, 2016 at Word of Life Family Worship Center in Groesbeck with Pastor Randy Ayers officiating. Interment will follow in the Prairie Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 4-6 p.m., Sunday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Johnny Burleson, Gary Burleson, Louis Garner, Zack Barkouskie, Dustin May, Wendell Johnson, Ronnie Barkouskie and John Ward.

Visitation Details

Sunday, May 1st, 2016 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home

Service Information

Monday, May 2nd, 2016 2:00pm, Word Of Life Church

Interment Details

Prairie Hill Cemetery