He lived a full and interesting life, revolving around God, country, family, and friends.
Donald farmed for more than 40 years then worked as Maintenance Superintendent at the Department of Corrections in Dermott until he retired 10 years later. He served his country as a medic in the Army then completed his commitment in the Army National Guard. He served God as a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Little Rock where he would often sing above the congregation. He served on the school board for Bellaire Academy and was the music leader for Halley Baptist Church for several years.
In his early adulthood, 'for fun and a little money' (as he described it), he drove a racecar in the drag races of the Mid-south.
An avid sportsman, Donald loved hunting and fishing. His favorite was turkey hunting. He could often be heard honing his skill of calling a turkey all year long. He enjoyed boating on Lake Chicot. He taught numerous children how to waterski and tube.
Donald coached softball for an adult co-ed team as well as a children's league, leading both to many tournament championships across 3 states.
He had a self-taught talent for construction and repair. He used those skills to help people in the church and community long before ''volunteer'' was a buzzword. It was his personality to see a need and fill it.
He had a magnetic personality that drew people of all ages to him. Never without a smile and a hardy laugh, he loved people as much as they loved him. In retirement, he began gardening. His favorite pastime was to grow vegetables, then knock on neighborhood doors to give them away.
He dearly loved his family. His children and grandchildren loved listening to his stories, spending time with him at the deer camp, on the river, and at the beach. Some of their favorite memories include the holiday competitions he had with his brother, Bill, as to who could make the best pie with the highest meringue. Known as Daddy ''Mack'' to his family, never has a man been more loved, more missed, or more beautifully remembered.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Kara Burchfield; two brothers, Bud Burchfield and Jimmy Guy Burchfield; and a sister, Betty Francis Burchfield Chesser.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Burchfield; children, Scott Burchfield, Deena Bailey (Rodney) and Kristen Hill (Doug); one brother, Billy Wayne Burchfield (Bev); and grandchildren, Kameron Burchfield, Mackane Burchfield, Camille Burchfield, Madison Dettmer, Anna Clare Burnett, Halley Burnett, Drake Hill and Tanner Bailey.
Donald fought a 3-year battle with Alzheimer's. A battle he would never have wanted. He was treated with love and kindness by the nurses and staff at The Woods Nursing and Rehab in Monticello. We can't thank them enough for their dedication in the job they do and service they provide. They are truly Angels on earth.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Halley Baptist Church with Rev. James Kendig officiating. Burial will follow in Halley Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2023, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to either Halley Baptist Church; PO Box 105 Dermott, AR 71638 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. You can sign Donald's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(19)
Charlie Roston
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 22, 2023 I’m so saddened to hear of his passing. I’m glad I was able to spend a little time with him at the woods. He will be missed. Prayers for his family during this difficult time.Tischa Beaty
Hampton, AR Tuesday, March 21, 2023 I’m am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Birchfield was an awesome teacher and an amazing piano player. He was truly an awesome man and will be missed. I send my prayers and condolences to his family.Steven and Jamie Fowler Wiley
East Peoria, IL Tuesday, March 21, 2023 So very sorry to hear of Donald Mack's passing. He was so loved, by my Daddy and everyone else. Prayers for your peace and comfort.Regie and Judy Howard
Lonsdale, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was truly one of a kind.❤️Barton hunter
Dardanelle, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 Sorry to hear this he was such a fun loving person. My prayers are withCindy and family .Trisha Abbott
Monticello, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your loved one. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.Erma Burchfield Eberlan
houston, TX Monday, March 20, 2023 My thought and prayers are with the family. I remember Donald Mack with wonderful memories as a young girl visiting in the summers with my grandparents.MaryBeth Bemberg
Little Rock, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 I absolutely adored Don Burchfield who fit in so beautifully at all our crazy Wills family gatherings and knew that the way to truly win someone over was through their stomachs and he did that with his wonderful pies. What a fabulous personality and warm heart. We will miss his inspiration and stories and jokes. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family. Love to all…..MaryBeth BembergBobette Manees
Little Rock, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 I loved listening to Donald Mac’s stories, tall tales or truth! I was never sure! Either way they were fun an he told them well. One of the most unforgettable characters I ever met.GW and Sandra Wallace
Hickory Ridge, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 We were sorry to hear about Donald Mack,s passing. He blessed us while we were living in Dermott! Prayers for Cindy and family🙏🏻Gerald Jones
Sherwood, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 My condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with you and for you.Gerald Jones
Sherwood, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 My thoughts and prayers are with you , for you , and the family.Archie (Buddy) & Gail Burchfield
Crossett,, AR Monday, March 20, 2023 So very sorry to hear of the passing of Donald Mack. Prayers for the family, friends. Our thoughts love and prayers. Archie & GailKathy Burchfield
Hot Springs, AR Sunday, March 19, 2023 So many memories we have of wonderful times together. You were the life of the family gatherings. RIP dear Donald Mack.Donna Kay Waldrup Odum
Heber Springs, AR Sunday, March 19, 2023 Cindy, Deena, Scotty, Kristen and family - David and I are so sorry for your loss. DM will be missed by many, including us!! It’s hard to give him up from here, but not so hard to give him up to God!! Love you all very much and will be praying for you!! And, the next time we see him, we won’t ever have to say goodbye again!!Bill & Donna Hale
Springdale, AR Sunday, March 19, 2023 All the Family & Loved-Ones are in our thoughts and prayers! 🙏🙏🙏Dale and Barbara Hicks
White Hall, AR Sunday, March 19, 2023 We are sorry to hear of Donald Mack’s passing. He was a great man and a hoot to be around. He loved everybody and they loved him. Condolences to Cindy and all the sweet family.Love and Prayers to all.
Alisia Diamond
Monticello, AR Sunday, March 19, 2023 ♥️🙏🏾♥️Darlene Johnson
Monticello, AR Sunday, March 19, 2023 My condolences to the family.