Lester David Burns Jr., 86, passed away June 2, 2022. He was born in Larned, on March 13, 1936, to Lester David and Elsie (Crawford) Burns, Sr.Lester married Bettie Jean Sinclair on September 4, 1955. They shared almost 67 years together.
Lester is survived by: his wife, Bettie Burns (Sinclair); daughters, Cheryl Sykes (Scott) and Carol Harvey; sons, Todd Burns (Kimberly) and Raymond Burns (Katrina); sister, Anita Smith; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by: his father and mother; sisters, Pearl and Betty; and brothers, Archie and John.
Lester graduated from Larned High School and went directly into the
United States Navy. He served four years in active duty on the U.S. Los
Angeles and four years on active reserve. After serving in the Navy,
Lester held various jobs until he became a Hutchinson firefighter, where
he served 22 years on the department. He also ran his own construction
business until he permanently retired.
Lester was a member of Our
Redeemer Lutheran Church. He enjoyed helping others and volunteered at
the Reno County Museum, Hutchinson Cosmosphere, Salt Company, RSVP, and
Meals on Wheels. In addition, he enjoyed traveling, boating,
waterskiing, cars, car shows, and playing pool. Lester loved watching
basketball and was an avid follower of the KU basketball team. Most of
all, he loved spending time with his wife and family.
Lester’s life will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2022, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 East 12th Ave., Hutchinson. Visitation, with the family present, will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. Private inurnment will be in Larned Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association (for Fire Science Scholarship), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.