Burkey Body Now Home;
Rites Monday
Funeral services for Tech. 5th Gr. Donald W. Burkey, 22 whose body is being returned from the European theater where he was killed in action, will be at 3 p. m. Monday in Kearns Garden chapel.
Son of Mrs. Earl W. Burkey, 314 State street, and the late Earl Burkey, he was a technician fifth grade in a reconnaissance squadron. His death, during action in Italy occurred July 5, 1944. His father died of a heart attack several days following news of Technician Burkey’s death.
The soldier had been overseas two years, participating in action in north Africa for seven months before transferring to Italy. He was one of 15 to receive the Silver Star for gallantry in action Aug. 3, 1943, near Tronia, Sicily, and he received the Purple Heart for wounds incurred in the Sicilian campaign.
He was born Feb. 19, 1922, in Garrison, Ia., son of Earl W. and Bessie Elizabeth Burkey. He attended Dysart school, and at the time of his enlistment was working for his father on a dairy farm two miles northeast of Jesup, Ia.
He was a member of the Lutheran church of Jesup.
Officiating at services will be Rev. Raymond Pritz of Walnut Street Baptist church. Burial will be in Fairview cemetery.
Surviving are his mother; two sisters, Mrs. Burton A. Beasley, 935 Kern street, and Mrs. George Heideman, 314 State street; and his maternal grandfather, William Aschenbrooner, Home Acres.
Source: Waterloo Daily Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Sunday, November 21, 1948, Page 14
