Coleman Donald Burrell

As a computer software/hardware engineer who enjoyed mountain climbing and cycling, he lived a life that brought together his talent and love for detailed technical work with thrilling outdoor adventure. Don Burrell, who had been in declining health, passed away peacefully Feb. 28 at Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills, CA. He was 69.

Don worked for 40-plus years supporting a variety of information technology systems and programming for various firms — jobs that called for skills and resourcefulness in installation, configuration, interoperability and troubleshooting. It was a career he was highly motivated about and one he infused with a constant positive attitude. He most recently had been employed as an operating systems analyst at California State University, Fullerton.

He was also a devoted family man whose hobbies included playing bass guitar and who relished daring solo activities that included bungee jumping, hot air ballooning, parasailing, scuba diving and skiing. He also loved the sports of swimming, tennis and volleyball, and he dedicated time for charitable causes — participating in long-distance bike treks to benefit multiple-sclerosis victims.

Born July 7, 1955, in Neptune, NJ, Don was part of a military family. His father, Coleman Harley Burrell, was an Army police officer and mother, Georgene Dawson, did time as an Army nurse. As a youngster, Don travelled with the family to various military bases around the world that eventually landed them in Lawton, OK, where he graduated in 1974 from Eisenhower High School. Over the years, he furthered his education through vocational coursework and IT software certificate programs at various colleges.

Don served a stint in the Air Force Reserve as an Airman assigned as a jet engine mechanic. And in 1978, he was appointed as a noncommissioned officer, sergeant rank, before receiving an honorable discharge in 1981. Later, in the 1990s while living in Boston and working at Sun Microsystems, he met and married Angela Brothers. The couple relocated to Orange County, CA, where they raised two sons, Christopher and Samuel. They eventually divorced, but remained close.

Don is survived by his sons; brother-in-law Alan Kenney of Oklahoma City, OK; his youngest sister Jacque Phillips of San Antonio, TX; along with two nephews, Brian Kenney of Oklahoma City and Trey Phillips Sr. of San Antonio; two nieces, Kim Phillips of San Antonio and Coryn Kenney of Oklahoma City; two great nieces, Myla Kenney of Oklahoma City and Kendall Gonzales of San Antonio; and one great nephew, Trey Phillips Jr. of San Antonio. He was preceded in death by his older sister Peggy Kenney, brother-in-law Leon Phillips and his parents. A memorial service is pending.