Donnie Frank Burns, 65, Passes Away in Tennessee

Beloved husband, father, and outdoorsman remembered for his good-natured spirit

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:23pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm tones depicting blurry shapes that suggest a fishing rod, hunting rifle, and dog bowl, conceptually representing the outdoor hobbies and animal companionship that defined Donnie Frank Burns' life.The soft, hazy portrait of Donnie Frank Burns' beloved outdoor gear and animal companions evokes the quiet joys that defined his life.Columbia Today

Donnie Frank Burns, a 65-year-old resident of Santa Fe, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center. Burns, who proudly served in the U.S. Army and worked as an equipment operator for the cities of Columbia and Franklin before retiring, is survived by his wife Lesia and several children. Known as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and caring for his dogs, Burns will be remembered for his good-natured personality and fondness for Diet Sundrop.

Why it matters

Donnie Frank Burns' passing marks the loss of a beloved community member in the small town of Santa Fe, Tennessee. His obituary highlights the importance of family, military service, and a love of the outdoors - values that are deeply rooted in the culture of rural Tennessee communities.

The details

According to the obituary, a funeral service for Donnie Frank Burns will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Knob Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army. A visitation will also be held on Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

  • Donnie Frank Burns passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
  • Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Donnie Frank Burns

A 65-year-old resident of Santa Fe, Tennessee who passed away on April 6, 2026. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and worked as an equipment operator before retiring. He was known as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and caring for his dogs.

Lesia Smotherman Burns

Donnie Frank Burns' wife of 16 years.

John Burns

Donnie Frank Burns' late father.

Florence Westmoreland Burns

Donnie Frank Burns' late mother.

Ronnie Burns

Donnie Frank Burns' brother.

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What’s next

The funeral service and burial for Donnie Frank Burns will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The takeaway

Donnie Frank Burns' obituary highlights the importance of family, community, and a love of the outdoors in rural Tennessee. His passing marks the loss of a beloved local figure known for his good-natured spirit and fondness for simple pleasures like fishing, hunting, and Diet Sundrop.