Donald E. Burroughs

Donald Eugene Burroughs, 81, lifelong resident of Clyde, Ohio passed away on October 17, 2026. He was born in Fremont, Ohio on January 23, 1945 to his parents, Donald and Barbara (Giebel) Burroughs. In high school, Don worked at the Lighthouse diner where he met his high school sweetheart, Beverly Gilbert. He graduated from Clyde High School in 1963. Don married Beverly on her birthday on August 21, 1965 and they celebrated 57 years of marriage together before her passing in 2023.

Don worked at Whirlpool for 8 years before joining the Clyde Police Department as a patrolman in 1972. He proudly served his community for nearly 16 years as a patrolman, sergeant, FOP President and detective. He then spent 19 years in security at Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant in Oak Harbor, Ohio before retiring in 2007.

Don was “Papa” to his 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He loved giving rides on the mower, noogies, making up silly songs and poems and watching his grandkids participate in all kinds of activities.

Family and friends treasured his ability to make them smile with a good joke, a prank, or a quick comeback. Those who knew Don knew his heart of gold. If there was a personal need, he was ready to lend a hand. He enjoyed the simple things in life-- traveling with friends and family, motorcycle rides, playing cards and dice, grilling out and any excuse for an ice cream run. One of his favorite accomplishments was earning his pilot's license.

Don was a devoted Michigan Wolverines fan because it was “too boring if we’re all rooting for the same team.” Always the instigator, he loved the friendly rivalry of watching college football with friends and family in a house divided. Whatever the team, he loved the halftime shows, which reminded him of frequent invitations during the 1980s to direct “Hang On Sloopy” with the Clyde High School Marching Band.

He was preceded in death by his parents Don and Barb; his beloved wife, Bev; his in-laws Robert and Phyllis Gilbert; and sister Gloria Weber.

He is survived by his three daughters--Rhonda (Tom) Yeazel of Xenia; Susie Capucini of Clyde; and Dawn (Chris) Gibson of Castalia; brother Brian (Cindy) Burroughs of Fremont; brother Brad Burroughs of Hilliard; and sister-in-law Nancy (Lou) Snyder of Clyde. Also surviving are grandchildren Lauren (Kris) St. Martin, Mark (Desiree) Rollyson, Nathan (Racheal) Rollyson, Eddie Wilson, Erica Wilson, Shelby (James) White, Aldon Gibson and Dylan Gibson. Great grandchildren include Owen, Reese, Jonathan, Alexander, Reid, Lily, Marlaya, Lyla and a grandson on the way. Don is also survived by several nieces and nephews. We would be remiss not to include his dog and constant companion, Corky.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Auxter-Recker Funeral Home in Clyde, Ohio. In honor of Don’s favorite college football rivalry, the family invites to wear your OSU or Michigan attire. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 24, at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Pastor Wally Gilbert will be officiating the service. Interment will follow at McPherson Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon with the family upon leaving the cemetery.

Memorial contributions in honor of Don may be made to the Clyde Food Pantry or the Love Meals Ministry at Journey Church.

We encourage everyone to leave memories and upload photos to Don's memorial page to celebrate the life of this extraordinary man.