Charles Burns

Charles 'Charlie' Burns was born Wednesday, March 17, 1926, in Pomona, Kansas, the son of Emma May Brown. A lifelong Franklin County, Kansas resident, Charlie made his home in Ottawa, until his death Tuesday, August 16, 2005, at the age of seventy-nine years. He worked eighteen years for Dwight Haworth Construction, of Ottawa; around ten years for Hamm's Construction, of Perry; Hercules Sunflower Ammunition Plant, DeSoto; and retired from the City of Ottawa on May 1, 1994, after about twelve years as a heavy equipment operator. Charlie served in the United States Army from June 20, 1944, to April 2, 1946. He served as Technician Fourth Grade, in Company C, of the 278th Engineer Combat Battalion. He served six months at Heidelberg, Germany, with an Engineer Combat Unit, as automotive mechanic, working on all types of Army vehicles, including heavy trucks. He did major repair work on engines, bodies, and other parts and assemblies. He served as heavy truck driver and wrecker operator, driving equipment from two and one-half up to ten tons. He operated at night, over all types of roads and terrain, and sometimes under combat conditions. He received decorations and citations which included Carbine Marksman's Badge, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon, and European Theater Service Ribbon with two Bronze Stars. Charlie was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, and member of Fraternal Order of Eagles #2700, both of Ottawa. On February 2, 1950, Charlie was united in marriage with Dora Belle Ogle in Lyndon, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 30, 1999. On May 18, 2001, Charlie was united in marriage with Lucy Ann (Beals) Steenrod in Ottawa. She survives of their home. Charlie is also survived by his daughter, Diana Sellens and her husband, Don, of Ottawa; son, Marvin Burns and his wife, Brenda, of Overland Park, KS; stepdaughter, Ginger Milbern and her husband, Roger, of Ottawa; stepdaughter, Rebecca Grauel and Eleno C. Hernandez of Ottawa; stepson, Philip Steenrod of Minnesota; stepsister, Alice Franks of Quenemo, KS; granddaughter, Sheri Morgan and her husband, Arthur, of Richmond, KS; two grandsons, SSG Robby Burns and his wife, Katharina, of Vilseck, Germany, Scott Burns of Ottawa; three great-grandchildren, Adrian and Shelbie Morgan of Richmond, Nathan Burns of Vilseck, Germany; seven step grandchildren; nine step great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2005. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Burns after 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Dengel & Son Mortuary to service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7 to 8:00 Friday evening. CEMETERY: Woodlawn Cemetery in Pomona, Kansas. Military Honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation and Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas.