Donald "Don" Warren Burger

Donald “Don” Warren Burger was born in Boulder, CO on August 14, 1933.  His parents were Charles Roland Burger Jr. and Ruth Bee Kuhn.  He had one sister, Barbara Ann Burger (Neff).

He is survived by his wife, Addye Jo (Sanders), of 56 years who continues to reside in Niceville, FL.  He is also survived by one son; Charles Warren Burger of Tampa, Florida.

Don grew up in Boulder, CO and attended the University of Colorado where he graduated with degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Business Management.  He was a distinguished graduate from the AFROTC program and additionally was a part time instructor with the Aeronautical Engineering Department at the University of Colorado.

Don joined the United States Air Force in 1956 and served many positions throughout his career.  He had tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam and an assignment at the United States Air Force Academy for 5 years where he served as a plans officer and Chief, Cadet Plans Division.  In September on 1973 he was assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida where he served as the Operations Officer for the 603d Special Operations Training Squadron that trained all USAF and allied nation pilots in the C-47.  In March of 1975 he took over command of the 8th Special Operations Squadron flying the uniquely complex MC-130E Combat Talon. From 1978 through his retirement from the USAF in 1981 he held additional numerous leadership positions at both Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field, Florida.  A command pilot with over 4,600 hours, his flying experience spans a wide variety of aircraft: the T-34, T-28, T-33, T-29, F-86, F-100, B-47, C-47, C-118, and C-130.  His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, as well as many others.

He was promoted to the grade of Colonel effective November 1, 1977 and retired on July 31, 1981 after serving 25+ years on active duty.

After retirement he and Jo built their home at the Rocky Bayou Golf and Country Club in Niceville, FL where he spent his days playing golf and serving a stint as the club President.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held Monday, June 5, 2017 at the Rocky Bayou Country Club from 4 to 6 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your favorite Charity. 

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