Donald Samuel Burnett was born on April 9, 1943 in Latium, St. James, Jamaica, West Indies, to Esteline Brooks and Eulet Burnett both of Salter's Hill District in St. James.   He attended elementary and secondary schools in Latium, leaving early to pursue a career in the food industry after securing a job as a waiter at Kingston Sheraton Hotel.

When he was 22 years old he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the Jonestown, Church of the First born, and was united in fellowship at a branch Church Emmanuel Gospel Hall in Kingston, Jamaica.

In 1964 he met Thelma May née Haynes and they "fell in love". Two years later they were united in holy matrimony on December 14, 1966 in Kingston, and God blessed their 50-year union with 5 children.

Donald continued working at the Sheraton where he learned to cook and bake, and was promoted to chef, and ultimately to Assistant Food and Beverage Manager.  He later went to work for Jamaica Producers voyaging from Jamaica to England as a chef for the mercantile workers. He later got a job on the Norwegian/Carnival Cruise lines in Miami, Florida as a chef. A subsequent leg injury rendered him unable to continue work on the ship and he settled in Racine, Wisconsin where Nadine Stephens, Aunt Nadine, helped him to get settled and provided much support for him, and remained a great friend throughout his time here.  He landed a job at Larsen's bakery in 1987 as a baker and pastry chef, and remained there until 2013 when he retired after a debilitating stroke. His long-time friend, Kenneth Thompson, was instrumental in assisting him navigate the years following as they were both retired.

Donald's life was punctuated by his love of living carefree.  He loved the outdoors and spent a number of nights during his youth fishing and catching land crabs.  He enjoyed playing games with his friends and family, and he loved to cook and watch others enjoy his meals.  More than anything else he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who remember him as being "laid back" and "fun".  They all resoundingly refer to him as caring, generous, and selfless, and some call him funny, loving, helpful, accepting, hard-working, a great cook, and an inspiration.

On March 3, 2017 this quiet man of gentle power finished his course.  His children stopped for a minute before taking the baton to see exactly what they will have to carry on to their finish line.  Their testimony of what he ran with is love, benevolence, generosity, kindness, understanding, positivity, respectability, selflessness. They call him a good man and a dynamic grandfather. The world will undoubtedly remember so as well.

Donald Burnett is preceded in death by mother, Esteline Brooks, brother, Dodley and Ralston, and grandson, Malachi.  He leaves to cherish his memory, wife: Thelma May Burnett née Haynes; children: Donna, Danny, Nicola, Damian, De'Andrae, son-in-law, Keith; sisters: Una, Sylvia, Peggy, Verlin, Del, Lilly, and Norene; brothers: Keith and Edgar; grandchildren: Keona, Kedona, Keith Jr.; Donisha, Dontavia, Paul Jr. Jazzmin, Simone, Fabian; Great grandchild, Donajhia.

Donald made no distinction between his direct progeny and extended family; he only had to recognize them as related in some way, and he became "daddy" to all. Every Christmas he would get gifts for everyone as his generous heart embraced the true meaning of family.

Therefore, his memory is also cherished by Courtney and Janet Thompson and their children Courtney Jr, Janae and Caleb; Marvin and Karlene Thompson and their children Daniel, Allan, Kristi and JonLuc; and the Dixon family.

A Service to Celebrate his Homegoing will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017, 11:00am at All Nations Pentecostal Prayer House, 1502 W. 6th Street.  Visitation will be in the church from 10:00am until the time of service.  Pastor Roger Carson will be officiating.  Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery.

Service Details

Funeral: Saturday, March 18, 2017  11:00am

Visitation: Saturday, March 18, 2017  10:00am – 11:00am

Location: All Nations Penecostal Prayer House, 1502 W. 6th Street, Racine, WI