Bobby Burns

January 23, 2020

Bobby “Bob” Ray Burns, age 73, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 19, 2020. He was born on June 17, 1946 in Lampasas, Texas, the son of Melvin L. Burns and Bernice (Sutter) Burns.

He grew up in Lampasas, Texas and attended Lampasas High School. On January 28, 1965 he joined the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He became an electrician during the Vietnam Era. While in Vietnam he was stationed in Pleiku. After serving his military duty he returned to Gove, Kansas where he met and married Betty Jo Hockersmith on December 16, 1967. After getting married to Betty they resided in Syracuse, Kansas to start their family of three children. Soon after moving to Syracuse, Bob began working as a lineman at Wheatland Electric. In 1975, Bob moved his family to Lampasas, Texas after the passing of his brother Dale Burns. He later moved back to Syracuse, Kansas where he went back to work as a lineman at Wheatland Electric. In April of 1994 Bob lost his wife Betty to Cancer after battling it for 13 years. On January 1, 1995, he married Carolyn Ann Richardson and they continued to reside in Syracuse at his home on Pinecrest. On April 20, 2003, he lost Carolyn to Breast Cancer. Bob later at the age of 63 decided to retire from Wheatland Electric after being employed with them for 35 years. Bob never knew a stranger, and you can bet if Bob was mentioned anywhere there had to be a story told of his presence.

Bob was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Syracuse. He enjoyed fishing trips to Lake Texhoma, cooking out on the grill, dancing the two step and shaking that leg like Elvis, but his greatest enjoyment was hanging out with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Melvin L. Burns, mother, Bernice (Sutter) Burns, first spouse, Betty Jo (Hockersmith) Burns, second spouse, Carolyn Ann (Richardson) Burns, and brother, Dale Burns.

He is survived by 2 Sons - Marlin (& wife Micki) Burns of Lubbock, TX, Shawn D. Burns(& wife, Dawnelle) of Runaway Bay, TX, one daughter, April R. Burns of Syracuse, KS, one brother, Michael L. Burns of New Braunfels,TX, eight Sisters, Alice Wilder of West, TX, Candy Bishoff of Belton, TX, Charlotte (& husband William) Walters of McGregor, TX, Pam Burns of Maxon, TX, Gale Marshall of Syracuse, KS, Jeanie (& husband Mike) Miller of Syracuse, KS, Sammie Shamburg of Garden City, KS, Donna (& husband James) Russell of Belton, TX, nine grandchildren- Brint Largent, Autumn Ames, Sarah Long, Matthew, J.R., & Christopher Burns, Mathew & Christopher Ford, Shawn Dale Burns III, six great grandchildren-Madison, Macy & Maggie Ames, Kolten & Aiden Ford, Mya Sigala, and many family members and friends. Memorial Services were held Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the First Christian Church, in Syracuse, KS, followed by Graveside Service at the Syracuse Cemetery.Condolences may be sent to fellersfh@yahoo.com.