Ira Don Burtcher of Oklahoma City, 70, lost his battle with cancer after 8 years. While surrounded by family at his home, he was called to be with his Heavenly Father on January 29, 2012. Don, as he was known by most, was warm, funny, and compassionate. He was the kind of man that talked with a stranger as if he had discovered a long lost friend. Don had a passion for God, life, family, friends, meticulous yard work, descriptive storytelling and singing in the choir. Born to Napoleon and Thelma Burtcher June 21, 1941 in Oklahoma City, OK, he was the third of four children, and spent most of his childhood in Neosho, MO. Don graduated Class of 1959 from Midwest City High School. He joined the United States Air Force as a Fuels Technician in 1959. In December of 1960, he married the love of his life, Mary Jo McKelvey-Lowery of Midwest City, OK. Three children and 20 years later, he retired from active duty, worked for the Champlain Refinery in Enid, OK, until it closed and spent 19+ years with the US Postal Service in Oklahoma City. He is a 32nd Degree Mason and a longtime member of Emmaus Baptist Church where he spent much of his time in service to others. Don is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Jo Burtcher; mother-in-law, Virdie Lowery of Moore, OK; daughter, Tammera Sniegowski, son-in-law, James, and granddaughters, Shannon and Stephanie of Ludington MI; daughter, Tracy Leonard, son-in-law, Charlie, and grandson, Chace McBride of Norman, OK; and son, Jeffery Don Burtcher and daughter-in-law, Virginia of Norman, OK. Other surviving family members include a sister Melba Hill of Midwest City, OK; brothers Charles Burtcher and wife Sandra of Guthrie OK, Wayne Burtcher of Oklahoma City, OK; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. "But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31