February 17, 2014
EDWIN R. ‘BUZZ’ BURNS, SR
Edwin R. “Buzz” Burns, Sr., age 86, of Manhattan, Kansas, died Saturday morning, February 15, 2014, at his residence.
He was born on March 1, 1927, in Mayetta, Kansas, the son of George Raymond and Lucy (Blandin) Burns.
Ed was raised on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Common Land where he was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribe. He attended secondary education classes in Holton, Kansas. Following a tour of duty with the U.S. Armed Services, he returned home and finished his senior year of high school in Circleville, Kansas.
In August of 1945, Ed was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served with the 10th Army Combat Engineer Battalion with an assignment to Okinawa. His military honors included being the recipient of the Army Occupation Medal, the WW II Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. He was discharged in August of 1947 with the rank of Tech Sergeant.
Ed was a member of the Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Common Land where he was baptized, received his first communion and went through confirmation. Upon moving to Manhattan in 1951, he joined the Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Other memberships include the We-Ta-Se American Legion Post 410 in Mayetta, and the V.F.W. Post 1786, American Legion Post 17 and Eagles Club, all of Manhattan.
For over 20 years, Ed worked for the local Western Auto Store in Manhattan. He later went to work for USD 383 in custodial services at the former Junior High School (now Manhattan High East Campus) and later for the Education Center. He retired from the school system following many years of service.
On July 4, 1950, in Holton, Kansas, he was united in marriage to the former Bonnie Mae Hamlin. She preceded him in death on August 13, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents, by an infant daughter “Ann” and by four brothers: Billie, Jim, Philip and Martin Burns.
He is survived by eight children: Sandy Spiker, Towanda, KS; Linda Correll, Soldier, KS; Doris Bolicki and husband Bill, Copperas Cove, TX; Ray Burns and wife Nancy, Riley, KS; Frank Burns and wife Donna, Manhattan, KS; Beth Fateley and husband Kevin, Manhattan, KS; Sharon Runyan and husband Ryan, Manhattan, KS and John Burns and wife Dawn of Wamego, Kansas. Also surviving are his three sisters: Mary Carr and husband Darrell, Topeka, KS; Theresa McNary and husband Wayne, Ozawkie, KS; Julia Kennedy and husband Skip, Topeka, KS; and his sisters-in-law: Donna Burns, Holton, KS; Ruth Burns, Columbus, GA; Bernadette Burns, Wichita, KS; Geraldine Hamlin, Hoyt, KS and a brother-in-law: Dick Hamlin of Circleville, KS. Also surviving are 24 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, numerous step grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church located at the corner of Juliette and Pierre Streets in Manhattan. A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. following the visitation.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at Seven Dolors Catholic Church with Father Joseph S. Popelka as celebrant. Interment with military honors will follow in the Sunrise Cemetery.
On-line condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website located at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Riley County Seniors’ Service Center. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.