Donald Clifford Burkepile

Donald Clifford Burkepile, 92, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2021 in Alamosa, CO. Don was born on October 8, 1928 in Manzanola, CO to Daniel and Lillian (Hundt) Burkepile.

The family soon moved to a small farm near Hasty, Colorado, where he grew up with two sisters: Irene and Carrie, and four brothers: Ivan, Charles, Ross and Glen. He graduated high school in McClave, CO in 1947, and in 1948 married Erletta Ault and had two sons, David and Randy. He joined the US Army, serving during the Korean Conflict, and was stationed in Fairbanks, AK. After his time in service, the family moved to La Junta, CO where Don began working for the county performing road maintenance, and he lived there for the rest of his life. After raising the two boys, his marriage to Erletta ended in 1976. Don continued to work for the State of Colorado (CDOT) until he retired in 1984, and then continued to work for another 14 years as a bus driver for the City of La Junta Senior Citizen Center.

Don was a kind and loving partner to his wife Judy (Kuhn) Shriver, whom he married on November 11, 1978. They spent more than 40 years enjoying each other’s company and traveling to many places, including New York City, Branson, MO and the Oregon Coast. When he was not traveling, Don’s other passion was building bicycles. You could find him in his shop building and repairing bikes where, during his retirement, he built and donated more than 500 bikes to those in need. His face always lit up when he told stories of the children receiving the bikes, and how truly blessed he was to be able to bring a little joy into their lives.

Don’s other true love was his family, who consisted of two sons, David (Marisa) Burkepile and Randy (Janet) Burkepile; three stepchildren, Donald (Marvena) Shriver, Kelly (Antonio) Gurule and Dianna (Ted) Lucero; five grandchildren, Tim Burkepile, Ryan (Chanteal) Burkepile, AJ Gurule, David Gurule and Vitoria Moreno-Costa; and five great-grandchildren, Cassandra, Victoria, Lillian, Koen and Trinidy Burkepile. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel & Lillian Burkepile; stepson, Donald Shriver; daughter-in-law, Janet Burkepile; siblings, Carrie Burkepile, Irene Smith, Glen Burkepile, Ross and Charles Burkepile.

Don will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

As per Don’s request cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making memorial contribution to Los Pobres Center, Attention Sister Nancy Corfton, 202 East Hwy 50 (P.O. Box 304), Avondale, CO 81022-0304.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.