David O'Neil Burnham passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, after his long battle with cancer. Born in Magee, MS, on November 1, 1950, he attended Mount Olive School and Jones College.
David was preceded in death by his father, Lester C. Burnham; his mother, Frances Sullivan Burnham; and his brother, Joe Randy. Also by his former wives, Edith Swiger McCune and Gloria Mangum Burnham.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Susan Gibbins Burnham;and twin daughters Barbara (Gary) Lutton and Heather Burnham and grandchildren, Alec Post and Callie Burnham, all residing in Ohio.
His absence will be deeply felt by his sister, Rebecca Roberts, and brother, Gregory A. (Helen) Burnham, along with his nephews and nieces.
David proudly served in the United States Air Force as a mechanic working on missile carriers and transport vehicles in Montana, Spain, and Germany. After eight years, he became a civilian and began a career in the oil industry, working on rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. His work promotions took him to the Houston office, where he covered international locations in Brazil, India, South Africa, Australia, and Indonesia. Eventually, he was promoted to manager and lived in Perth, Australia, for seven years. On his return to America, a change in company in the industry took him to many more places, including the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Close to retirement, he was offered a position in Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico, where he spent four years before retiring in April 2016.
With his love for warm weather and golf, he chose to live in a golf community in Clermont, FL, close to theme parks and cruise terminals. His love for golf and travel was limited after his cancer diagnosis in 2018.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for their years of care, which has given him more time to enjoy with his family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Tutor Funeral Home in Magee, MS, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, in Tutor Chapel with Rev. Jacob McKenzie officiating. Interment followed at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in Mount Olive.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
