Donald J. Burchette

Candler Donald J. Burchette, 77, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2014. A native of Yadkin County, he had resided in Buncombe County since September 1962. He retired December 1998 as a Chemical Engineer with American Enka Corp/BASF Research Dept following 36 years of service. He received his BA degree in Chemical Engineering from NC State, was a veteran of the US Army and a member of Grace Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and working in the outdoors. He was a son of the late Otto Redrick Burchette and Daisy Elizabeth Cummings Burchette. Mr. Burchette was also preceded in death by his brothers, Roland, Bill and Roger Burchette and sisters, Mary Francis Burchette, Margaret Ann Burchette, Doris Foster, Carolyn Cornatzer and Helen Presnell. Surviving are his wife whom he married February 21, 1960, Norma Jean Swain Burchette; daughters, Ann Thomas (Steve) of Apex and Lark Rowe (C.T.) of Asheville; grandchildren, Alex Thomas, Jack Thomas and Ethan Rowe; brother, Joe Burchette (Sylvia) and sister, Peggy Lane (Ralph) and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Friday, February 14, 2014 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with Rev. Nathan Pruett officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the NC National Guard. The family will receive friends immediately following services at the State Veterans Cemetery. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Aston Park Health Care Center and CarePartners Hospice for their exceptional care given.