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 O’Dwyer (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 Resurrection Cemetery.
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.
What a wonderful man who cared so much for all!
Enjoyed having him as a teacher at DB
What a wonderful man who cared so much for all!
Enjoyed having him as a teacher at DB
Prayers go out to his family🙏
God Bless you all!
Coach Burrus introduced “Powder Puff” (flag) football to DuBourg’s female students in the fall of 1970, my senior year of high school. It was great fun and our one and only big game brought out quite a number of my relatives, most of whom never attended any of the other sporting events in which I was involved. What little I know about football, despite attending most of DuBourg’s male students’ games and marching in the band at Mizzou’s football games in 1971, I owe to Coach Burrus. His emphasis on strategy intrigued me and gave me not only a genuine interest in football but often causes me to ponder whether the flag version shouldn’t be adopted by everyone from the kids’ leagues to the NFL as there would be far fewer, if any, life-changing injuries. May he rest in peace and may his legacy continue at DuBourg and in South St. Louis.
Coach Burrus was one of a kind. He lived a life of purpose and meaning, and he will be deeply missed. Sending prayers for his family and for all who loved him.
There are some things you do in life that end up being an integral part of who you are. For me, one of those things is swing dancing. Swing dancing gave me immense joy and confidence and I was extremely sad when I was a senior and thought that this happy part of my life was over. Swing dancing has continued to be a part of my life over the years. I taught a swing dancing class in college, came back to perform at DuBourg, and have swing danced at probably every wedding I have been to. I have even taught my kids how to swing dance. Any time I hear a Glenn Miller song, I’m swing dancing and I still remember to “glide” my feet. Mr. Burrus was a no nonsense kind of man with a dry sense of humor that may not have been endearing to everyone, but it was part of his character and I grew to love that about him. He called me “kid” and he held a special place in my heart. Mr. Burrus, you will be greatly missed. I hope “In the Mood” was playing as you entered the pearly gates. You made a great impact on this world. Thanks for the memories and I will keep swing dancing in your honor. ❤️
Where to start… The experiences and memories from having Don as a teacher, coach, and boss (rehabbing), go beyond any examples and mentorship one usually experiences. His everyday example of living the best life you can was not lost on most. He was passionate about many causes, yet rarely took life too seriously. His talk of “Momma Chief” over the years guided me later in life on respecting and loving ones spouse. He was a great example, and St. Louis and the world are better because of him (and Momma Chief). I feel very fortunate to have him be a part of my life.
Don and Elaine Burrus are two in a million. Another Cavalier has joined tge Heavenly ranks and is now at peace with Jesus, the Angels and the Saints
Mr Burrus was my “B” team football coach his first year at DuBourg in 1970. He made such an impression on me on how to work hard and never give up. He ran hard but efficient practices. His trademark was using his homemade paddle on players that didn’t perform up to expectations. He used it on me once for making a wrong read on a play. I don’t think I ever made the same mistake again. I think all the players enjoyed him as a coach and as a person. He was truly respected. May he rest in peace.
Coach,
What a time we’ve had these past 4/5 years. I met you at a time when my life was up in the air, the past 4/5 years we spent together, we had many discussions about your life and your family. We shared the same birthday, which this past year was so much fun. We formed a friendship that I will truly miss. Who’s gonna tell me “great job Charlie Brown? I believe God put you in my life for a reason and it proved to be a an awesome, sometimes bumpy, ride. RIH Coach, and dance with my angels up there.
Margaret Cammarata,RN “Molly Putz”
I always remember when he started the tumbling contest in the gym. He taught me how to do the different tumbling activities. I also enjoyed his nicknames for people. He called me Ratgun. When he was older I got to play baseball with him and was amazed by how he could hit. I played center field and he was in right field when a ball was hit in right center he took 2 steps and said Bob it’s yours. My prayers are with the Burris family and note that he was chosen to go to heaven to coach God’s Team.
So sorry to hear of Mr. Burrus’ passing. John was in his Economics class. He was a nice person and a good teacher. May he rest in peace, From John Amad, class of 74 and Linda Linkul Amad, class of 75.
I admired and appreciated Don as a fellow teacher and as one of the Associate Principals at Bishop Dubourg H.S.. He was and is one of the outstanding legends of Shaw neighborhood and the school he helped shape and nurture. He will always be in my fond memories of people who are dedicated, caring, generous, and loved by all who knew and experienced his influence and contributions. My wife and I feel that we have lost a friend. His place in our lives is cherished. We pray that God grants him eternal rewards. My sincere condolences to his family. He is a celebrated member of “the Greatest Generation”!
Mr. Burrus was an amazing teacher at DuBourg. He always added humor to our lessons. He sure lived a full life. My sincere condolences to his family.
Brian,
I did not know your father but he sounds like a great guy. Please accept condolences to you and your family.
I remember “Mr. Burrus” from my time in grade school at Barat Hall and later “Don Burrus” when I lived in the Shaw Neighborhood for ten years after graduating from law school. He had a positive impact on the lives of all who knew him. His was a life well lived.
Don Burris, was our Seventh and eighth grade basketball coach for the class of 1959. Wow, he led an exemplary life,
and was a great role model for we kids. Deepest sympathy to his family
Dear ElaineAnd Family,
Saddened to learn of Don’s passing. Brought back s ton of memories of competing against him in baseball then playing with him back in the day. Refereed for his senior women’s basketball league. Years later played geezer softball with him. Fond memories of fun with him but really remember admiring his commitment to faith, family education, and community. Eternal rest
John O’Shaughnessy
Kansas City…
Dear Burrus Family,
I am deeply saddened by Don’s passing and want to express just how much he meant to me. He was more than a teacher, coach, and neighbor—he was a guiding force who shaped my life in countless ways. From driving me and other neighborhood kids to high school in my freshman and sophomore years to introducing me to Humphrey Bogart films, home economics, rehabbing homes, and the joy of sports, his generosity and wisdom left a lasting impression.
Later in life, living just a house apart, I cherished our porch conversations with him and Momma Chief—moments of warmth, laughter, and shared reflections. Don’s kindness and steady presence made our neighborhood feel like home, and his legacy will forever be part of me.
I will miss him dearly, but I take comfort knowing he is in a better place. My heart and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Jim Cosby