Dee Stringham Burningham

Dee was born on October 12, 1931, in Bountiful, Utah, to Margie and Rulon Burningham, being the second of five siblings: Gary, Rodney, Kim, and Jeen. Growing up on Main Street, he spent his time playing basketball and tennis and often ventured with the family to Pine Creek, located on the north slope of Boulder Mountain. Together with his brothers and youngest sister, Jeen, he forged lasting friendships, gathering many times a year to enjoy shared interests such as gardening, sports, and fishing. Gary, Kim, and Dee all pursued careers in teaching, dedicating decades to improving education throughout the state.

Dee graduated from Davis High School and served in the New England States mission before marrying the girl he had playfully teased in church during their teenage years. He was sealed to Barbara Goodfellow in 1953. While pursuing his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah, Dee joined the Air Force, dedicating five years to active duty in Texas and Massachusetts, where their first two children were born. Afterward, they returned to Bountiful to start his teaching career and continue building their family at the top of 5th South, on the corner of Barbara’s father’s apricot and cherry orchard. For the next decade, they had three more children (five in total), and he taught history, government, and American Problems at Bountiful High School. During this time, he also served in the reserves with the HAFB 945th Military Airlift Command, participating in numerous missions across the Pacific to Korea, Vietnam, Guam, Japan, and the Philippines throughout the Vietnam War. After his time at Bountiful High School, he focused on enhancing public education in Utah throughout his career and retirement, taking on various roles, including president of the Utah Education Association and the Davis Education Association.

Dee graduated at the top of his pilot training class, receiving top honors and the opportunity to advance his skills with jets and fighters. Instead, he chose to fly “low and slow,” dedicating the rest of his flying career to transport planes. This patience and perseverance evolved into a decades-long commitment to meaningful causes – education, public health, politics, enabling those on the fringes to have opportunities, and always prioritizing family. He believed that everyone deserves a chance and that people, not positions, hold greater importance in government, religion, and society. Dee treasured his time serving with Barbara in the Chicago Illinois Mission and as temple workers, where their beliefs deepened for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and they formed cherished friendships that blessed their retired years.

Mom often mentioned before Dad's passing that he was a kind, patient, and simple man. He showed tremendous patience towards us kids in situations ranging from wrecked cars to poor grades to broken windows. Dad would often hug Mom to help her pause from her busy routine, connect with her, and reassure her that everything would work out in time. He was not only Mom's best friend and advocate but also, as her dementia worsened, her anchor of safety, security, and a source of constant love. He dedicated countless days to us, teaching us to fish, play tennis, understand various viewpoints in political discussions, save for retirement, and invest in our education. More importantly, the thousands of small, seemingly insignificant moments spent with him have become part of each of us.

Dad, while we will miss seeing you and the kids in the Daylily patch, shooting hoops, or rolling down the hill with the grandkids, we are grateful that you and Mom made it this far in good health and full of vigor until the very end. Dee is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Juleen (Allan), Rex (Laurie), Joan, Lynne (Paul), and John (Emily); and 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

The viewing and funeral will be held on the morning of Saturday, April 12th, 2025. The viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., with the funeral starting at 11:00 a.m., both held at the Oak Hills Ward Chapel, 455 South 1200 East, Bountiful, Utah 84010.