Obituary of Donald L. Burris

Donald L. "Don" Burris, 71, of State College, died Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Born May 25, 1949, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Harry C. and Grace Dann Burris. On June 15, 1969 he married Bonnie Bressler, who survives. They shared 51 wonderful years together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Jennifer Conklin of State College and Jeremy Burris and his wife Amber, of Monroeville; four grandchildren, Seth and Sara Conklin and Ogden and Eliana Burris; and two siblings, Ronald Burris and his wife Patricia, of Bellefonte, and Vickie Gordon of Centre Hall.

Don graduated from Penns Valley High School in 1967. He went on to receive a Bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg University in Secondary Education in 1971, and a Master's degree from Penn State University. He taught Business Education, as well as courses regarding computers and on-the-job training for 35 and a half years at Bald Eagle High School.

Donald was the Assistant Wrestling Coach at BEA for over 22 years and coached Cross Country and Track. He was inducted into the Bald Eagle Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1999, the District 6 Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2015, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018, all for his coaching career. In addition, he also ran the concession stand at Bald Eagle football games. Donald ran in numerous marathons, ending his marathon career with the Boston Marathon in 1995.

He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, served as Treasurer for the Penn State Wrestling Club for many years, and was on the board of the Centre County Chapter Hall of Fame.

Donald's passions were his family, friends, church, traveling, reading, wood working, gardening, fishing, and wrestling- especially Penn State Wrestling. He also enjoyed bowling and playing cards with his friends. He led a very active life surrounded by family and friends.

Anyone who knew Don has at least one funny story about him. There are so many wonderful memories that his family and friends will always treasure. He will be missed by many.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, masks will be required and social distancing will be observed.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 2pm at Grace Lutheran Church Columbarium, 205 S. Garner Street, State College. The same masking and social distancing requirements will apply.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner Street, State College, PA 16801 or the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion, 1800 E. Park Avenue, State College, PA 16803.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.