Donald Dale Funderburk

Born on July 6, 1934 in Glendale, California, Donald Dale Funderburk was the only son of Evelyn and
Parke (Bill) Funderburk. He passed away on June 25, 2020, just a few days short of his 86 th birthday.
Don was raised in Alhambra, West Covina and Barstow, California. He had one sister, Jacque
(Funderburk) Suding, who survives him. Don worked in the family laundry business during and after
high school. He joined the Navy in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1958 (Korean War Veteran).
In 1962 he received a BA in Accounting from San Diego State University. He joined the Port of San Diego
and retired as Director of Finance in 1996 after more than 30 years of service. Don was a man of honor
and a man of his word.  He loved his family and his country.
Don married Norma Jean Donahue in 1957 in Barstow. They raised two children in the San Carlos
neighborhood of San Diego: daughter Kelli and son Trace. After Norma’s passing in 1993, Don was lucky
to meet and marry his soulmate Sandy Bell. Sandy and Don married in 2003 on a Caribbean cruise.
Through Sandy, Don gained two more children: Kimberlee and Jennifer. He is survived by his wife plus
four children and their partners: Kelli Charlton (Cam Johnson), Trace Funderburk (Teri Fenner),
Kimberlee Gasper, and Jennifer McSherry (Joe McSherry). He was very proud of his extended family
that grew to include nine grandchildren: Bryan, Tristan and Devon Adams, Kate (Adams) Marzolla, Taylor
and Parke Funderburk, Matthew Gasper, Sophie and Ruby McSherry, plus six greatgrandchildren:
Antonia (Toni) Adams, Tristan Jr. (TJ) Adams, Felix Adams, Kahlan Adams, Thorin Marzolla, and Adaline
Adams. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren for eating ice cream directly from the
container.
While not enthusiastic about attending any social event, once he arrived Don was a storyteller and loved
an audience. He shared many stories of youthful outdoor fun when Los Angeles was still a growing town
with dairy cows, farms, and citrus orchards. In his early years, he loved warm bread and fresh butter
made by his maternal grandmother Laura Marable (small loaves she called Donnie loaves). He was a fan
of history, particularly the American Revolutionary period, and classic movies. In his later years, he and
Sandy enjoyed cruises. He loved his Westie dog Holly.
Don will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made to San Carlos
United Methodist Church (6554 Cowles Mountain Blvd, San Diego, CA 92119) or to the cancer research
organization of your choice.