VanBurkleo, Donald Edwin Sr., age 72, passed away on April 13, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Don was born on February 17, 1940 in Friendship, OK at the home of his maternal grandparents. The family moved to Wichita in 1942 when he was two years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thurman Surrell VanBurkleo and Lenita Seay VanBurkleo, his brothers: Thomas Surrell VanBurkleo, Gary Lee VanBurkleo, and his sister Joan VanBurkleo Robertson. Don attended school in the Wichita Public Schools and in Milton, Kansas. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1957 and served four years. After returning from the Navy he graduated from Wichita State University. He worked for the FAA and Cessna Aircraft Company. When he retired in 1999, he was Vice President of Quality at Cessna. After retirement, Don was very active in the Midian Shrine Antique Autos. He is survived by his loving wife Charlene; sons Thomas (Diane) VanBurkleo, Ed (Kelly) VanBurkleo, Jr., Curtis (Tammy) VanBurkleo, Adam (Melonie) Paige, and daughter Christine (Winn) VanBurkleo-Roach. He is survived by 18 grandchildren, 3 <1/2>great grandchildren, his sister Marilyn VanBurkleo (Murray) Jones of Pensacola, FL. He is survived by nieces and nephews and a host of loving friends. Don was a devoted father and grandfather. A special thanks to the Harry Hynes Hospice. Services will be held at Glenn Park Christian Church, April 17, 2012 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Harry Hynes and Plane of Mercy. Baker Funeral Home, Wichita.