Donald E. Burrus—husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, and community leader—was born on November 16, 1934, to Gertrude (née Boyer) and Lynn Burrus, and spent his entire life in the Shaw Neighborhood. He passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on May 2, 2025.
Don’s life was marked by his passion for teaching, coaching, and a devotion to the south St. Louis community. He leaves behind a legacy of service and an indelible mark on countless lives. He was a proud graduate of St. Margaret of Scotland School, Christian Brothers College High School, and Saint Louis University. Don served his country honorably in the United States Army.
Don dedicated the majority of his professional life to Bishop DuBourg High School, where he taught history and practical economics, coached football and basketball, for more than 40 years. He also taught and coached at Barat Hall and Beaumont High School. Don played football, baseball, and basketball during his formative years, experiences that informed his coaching philosophy centered on teamwork, grit, and resilience.
At DuBourg, Don’s influence was profound. In 2016, the school dedicated its football field as “Don Burrus Field,” a tribute to his enduring impact on the school’s athletic programs. As head football coach, Don had the privilege of coaching his two sons, Brian and Beau. He also made significant contributions to women’s athletics, through the development of DuBourg’s girls’ basketball program which competing at the highest levels, where he coached his daughters Christine, Coleen, and Nikki, fostering the empowerment and advancement of female athletes.
One of Don’s many activities at DuBourg was the founding of the Swing Dancers club, a vibrant organization that performed nearly 50 shows annually and helped countless students find confidence, community, and joy through dance. He loved big band music and dancing.
Further honoring his legacy, Bishop DuBourg established the Don and Elaine Burrus Scholarship Fund, providing vital support to future generations of students. Don’s excellence in coaching was recognized through his induction into both the St. Louis Metropolitan Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, celebrating his significant contributions to amateur sports. His deep involvement in youth sports through the Catholic Youth Council (CYC) also left a lasting impact.
Beyond the classroom and athletic fields, Don and his wife Elaine made significant contributions to St. Margaret of Scotland Parish and the Shaw Neighborhood, where they raised their family. He served faithfully as a Eucharistic minister, lector, and coach, and contributed to community development efforts through his leadership on the board and founding member of the Shaw Neighborhood Housing Corporation. In 2013, in recognition of Don and Elaine’s extraordinary service, the City of St. Louis honored them with an honorary street designation.
Don is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Elaine M. Burrus (née McManemin); his children Christine M. Kuehn (née Burrus), Coleen Burrus (David Skrodzki), Brian Burrus (Jennifer), Beau James Burrus, and Nikki Fitzpatrick (née Gilmore) (Kevin); his grandchildren Christian Burrus (Lauren), Katrina Shaw (née Kuehn) ( Kevin), Collin Kuehn, Blake Burrus, and Lilly Burrus; and his great-grandchildren Nora, Fredrik, and Susie. He is also survived by his brother Ralph Burrus. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Lynn.
Don Burrus’s life was a testament to dedication and faith. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students, athletes, neighbors, fellow coaches, colleagues and family members he inspired, mentored, and loved.
Services: A visitation in memory of Don will be held on Monday, May 12, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, 2906 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO. 63118. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, 3854 Flad Ave.,St. Louis, MO 63110. Interment Private
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the DuBourg High School Don and Elaine Burrus Scholarship Fund.
Don was a special person who had a great sense of humor. It was a blessing to know him.
On behalf of the Class of 1963 from St. Margaret of Scotland Grade School, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy to Coach Burrus’ family and friends. Also know that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss.
Coach Burrus is as much a part of the memories we remember when we reminiscence about our grade school days as are the Sisters of St. Joseph who taught us in the classrooms, and Priests who performed our 1st Communion Service in the church. Coach Burrus was our 1st Athletic Coach, be it on the ball field and/or the basketball court.
And when we gather, as we still do regularly, some sixty-two years after graduation, and talk turns to the days of auld lang syne, Coach Burrus has been and always will be included.
God bless you Coach and thank you for all you did.
Danny Slay
SMOS Class of ‘63
PS — In the end, it’s really the beginning that counts.
George Francis and I did some summer work for Mr. Burrus. He expedited and got a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. Working at the family’s residence and rental properties was all about work ethic and integrity. Mr. Burrus always had a life lesson for us St. Margaret of Scotland kids To my former classmate Coleen, I hope you and the family have many grand memories of your Dad. He had a positive influence on everyone he met. Peace to the Burrus family and all who knew and loved this fine man.
Mr. Burris was a wonderful teacher. He gave .e the love of Swing dancing.
His dedication , patience and love for all his students has impacted alot of us ..
You will be missed dearly ..
Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.