Donald G. Funderburk

Donald Glenn Funderburk, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, in Saint Peters, Missouri. He was born on October 11, 1937, in Kossuth County, Iowa. 

Don was married to the love of his life, Denise, for 63 wonderful years until her passing. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, filled with service, adventure, and deep love for their family and community.

 A lifelong learner and dedicated volunteer, Don was the first generation in his family to attend college and held a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University, as well as a Master’s degree from St. Louis University. In his early career, he worked for Sperry Gyroscope in Seattle, Washington, before joining McDonnell Douglas Corporation in St. Louis, where he retired after 30 years of service. 

Don was active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as both a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and completing Wood Badge training in 1985. His passion for service extended to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron at Tybee Light. He also served with the Navy League of Savannah. Don taught boating safety and navigation classes through the Power Squadron and Coast Guard in both St. Louis and Savannah, Georgia, and was recognized many times for his sustained contributions. 

A passionate sailor, Don spent countless hours on the water at Valley Sailing Association in St. Charles County and in Savannah, Georgia. He was a devoted amateur radio operator and the holder of two U.S. patents. He was a faithful and active member of Christ Church in Savannah, Georgia.

 Don and Denise shared a love of travel. They visited Hawaii for their 35th anniversary, cruised Alaska, toured Europe twice, explored the Funderburk ancestral homeland in Germany, and traveled to Ireland in 2002 to visit Denise’s family roots. 

He often marveled at the journey his life had taken—from a boy born on a small family farm in the middle of Iowa cornfields to a man who had experienced so much of the world. 

Above all, Don cherished time with his family—his beloved Denise, his grandchildren, and great-grandchild. A music lover with a rich baritone voice, he was known for spontaneously breaking into song, often recalling melodies and lyrics from his youth. His quick wit and infectious laugh made him a joy to be around. 

Don’s legacy of service, faith, humor, and love lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Don is survived by, two sons, Michael Funderburk and Daniel (Stacy) Funderburk, daughter Kimberly (Kent) Montgomery; six grandchildren, Christopher Funderburk, Samuel (Laurel) Funderburk, Mikayla (Seth) Siebert, Annika David, Matthew Montgomery, Sebastian (née Katherine) Montgomery; great-grandson Jaime Funderburk; sister Sheryl (Bob) Panico, sister in law Linda (Myrl) Briggs and a host of nieces and nephews as well as family members friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald S. Funderburk, mother Orpha W. Briggs (née McFarland), step-father Archer Briggs , brother Duane (Maggie) Briggs, brother Myrl (Linda) Briggs, brother-in-law Bob (Sheryl) Panico and two daughters-in-law Robin Caldwell Funderburk and Judith “Judy” McPipkin Funderburk. 

Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 12th at Newcomer Funeral Home, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am with internment immediately following, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 318 S Duchesne Dr, St Charles, MO 63301. Don’s service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation.