Donald R. Burkey, 79, of Elyria passed away Monday July 15, 2013 at EMH Healthcare following a brief illness. He was born November 15, 1933 in Fresno, OH. And was a Elyria resident for most of his life. Don worked at the Alltel Telephone Co., (now Windstream) as a PBX Installer/Repairman for 40 years, retiring in 1996. He was a member of the LaPorte Untied Methodist Church, served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, was a member of the American Legion Post 12 in Elyria, a 1951 Fresno High School graduate, was part of the Men's Coffee Klatch at the Abbe Rd. McDonald's in Elyria and enjoyed reading westerns, traveling and was a sports fan. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Denise (nee-McMurtrie); son, Steve Burkey of Elyria; son-in-law, J-P Duncan of Scranton, PA.; 3 granddaughters; 1 great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Duncan, daughter-in-law, Jane Burkey, sister, Elizabeth Pollock and a brother, John Burkey. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be Saturday July 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the LaPorte United Methodist Church 2071 Grafton Rd., Elyria. The Rev. Jonathan McCleery, pastor will officiate. Private burial will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH. Memorial contributions can be made in Donald's name to the LaPorte United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elyria 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 11:00 AM Saturday July 20, 2013 LaPorte United Methodist Church 2071 Grafton Rd. Elyria, OH.