Donna Lunn

Obituary Donna Elaine Burton-Lunn was born April 27, 1958 to Anita Sims and Alfred E. Burton Sr. in Kansas City, Kansas. Donna was blessed to be raised in the loving home of Melvin and Madeline Bates in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up in the Greater Kansas City Area with most of her family residing in California. Donna attended Paseo High School but stated “the schools here are too slow” and obtained her GED. Her parents bestowed on her a loving nature for all people. Bates Residential was founded in 1970 by Madeline and Melvin Bates. The residential facility contracted with the Department of Mental Health and targeted troubled adolescents and mentally challenged males. Over the years, their client base grew, and the needs of those clients differed. In 1992, she took over the group home Bates Residential and the name was changed to Bates New Residential Care Center expanding from the one home to five! Her vision was to continue with the family’s dream of helping, caring, and loving people with special needs. Donna committed her life to serving consumers for over 40 years. Donna had three beautiful daughters, she always wanted a son and God saw fit to bless her family with three grandsons. She loved people, she always looked for the good in everyone and strived to add to other’s lives. She made everyone feel like family and it was hard to get on her bad side. She enjoyed family gatherings every moment she could get. She was a giver, taking countless family and friends on cruises and vacations to see the world. Donna was full of compassion; we will miss her witty personality. Donna privately battled pancreatic cancer for 3 years. She graciously took her diagnosis and said, “What’s the plan, I have sh*t to do”! She scheduled every round of treatment between trips. Her goal was to see the world and take as many people alone for the journey. She received the majority of her treatment and care in Tulsa, OK. at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She passed away on August 8 th in her home, surrounded by her family. Donna was preceded in death: the love of her life Eric Lunn Sr., brother: Lawrence “Butch” Brown; parents: Melvin and Madeline Bates; mother: Anita Sims-Nunn, sister: Vonceil Sims-Belfield (Larry). She leaves to cherish her memory, father Alfred Burton Sr. Daughters: Carinne Purnell KCMO, Stephanie Carpenter (Darrell) KCMO, and Josie Dillard (Tricia) Raytown, MO. Grandsons: Jahsim Westbrook, Makari Locke, Elijah Burns, and Javell Willis. Granddaughter: Ta’Kirah Bennett. Sisters: Rhonda BurtonMontgomery (Kevin) California, Pamela Burton-Botts (Robin) California, Patrice Burton-Johnson (Clarence) California, Arshona Burton-Nelson KCK. Three brothers, Alfred “June” Burton Jr. California, Kenneth “Jasper” Nunn (Penny) California, and Alton Burton Sr. KCK. Her special cousin Sheillena Brunston California and host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, Bates residential family and loving friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 22nd at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Visitation 9:00 A.M. Private Disposition. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Lunn, please visit our floral store. Read More

Donna Lunn

April 27, 1958 - August 8, 2020