Donald Burgess

Donald Burgess

Don Burgess, 84, of Casper, Wyoming died Sunday morning March 16th at his home. He was loved and respected by a wide circle of friends, family and community members. His friendly smile, helpful nature and sage advice will be missed by all.
Don was born in 1923 in Casper and graduated from NCHS in 1942. He attended Casper College in 1946. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1950 with a B.S. in Business Administration.
Don served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946 during WWII and served two tours in the South Pacific and China. In 1951 he returned to active duty as a Gunnery Sergeant in Korea where he received a meritorious commission of Second Lieutenant. He was also awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve with over 40 years serving as Lt. Colonel.
Don began his business career in insurance as an agent for the Bon Agency, and in 1961 he opened Insurance Services, Inc. which he operated until he sold the agency in 1987.
Don's love of skiing led him and a group of other avid skiers to plan, organize and develope the Hogadon ski area, which became operational in January of 1960. He was a national ski patrolman and became a certified trainer of avalanche and mountain rescue operations and procedures. Don also loved scuba diving and exploration of sunken ships and planes. Don travelled the world in his search for adventure and knowledge.
Don was an ardent supporter of the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo. He served on the fair board from 1986 to 1996. He was an accomplished horseman and enjoyed raising, training and sharing his life with his horses. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and packing into the wilderness areas to camp.
Don is survived by a loving family. He was married to his wife and partner in adventure Naomi Burgess for over 19 years. His children include Lynn Frost of Casper, Wyoming and Althea Morstad of Bozeman, Montana. Grandchildren include Justin and Tricia Frost, and Jesse and Jennifer Reno. Don was also loved and will be missed by many step children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Don was preceeded in death by his parents, Sydney and Francis Burgess, his twin brother Doug and his sister Lorraine, and two of his children, Billy Sue and Ronnie.
No service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, Don's family has requested that donations may be made to the Veterans Scholarship Program for college students which honors fallen soldiers from current conflicts. Please send your donation to Leo Sanchez of the Marine Corps League at 811 Sally Lane, Casper, Wyoming, 82609.