Donald Starbuck, 85, of Burns, died at his home and would not have had it any other way.  His health was failing, as age was catching up with him.

Donald was born March 27, 1931 in Andrews (Trout Creek), Oregon to Ernie and Cecil Starbuck.  He was raised in Andrews, and educated in the Hines Middle School until around the age of 13, before starting to work on local ranches.  At the age of 16, with the help of his mother, Donald joined the Army in which he served until 1951, when he was honorably discharged.  He then met and courted Azalea Osborn, and they married in 1954.  They were blessed with their children, Rodney, Ninabelle, Donald Jr., Carol Ann, and Clifford. They were happily married for 49 years until Azalea passed in 2003. Donald enjoyed everything outdoors and anything that had to do with family gatherings.

Donald is survived by his sister, Barbara; and all his children, Rodney Starbuck, Nina and Scott Gunkel, Clifford and Pam Starbuck, all of Burns, Donald Jr. and Cheryl Starbuck of Fallon, Nev., and Carol and Mark Watson of Montrose, Colo.; as well as 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 27,  at 1:00 p.m., at LaFollette’s Chapel. Rev. Bob Yunker of Burns Christian Church will be officiating.

Contributions in Donald Starbuck’s memory can be made to the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center. LaFollette’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements.