Billy Fred Burns, age 68, of Eva, Oklahoma, community, joined his Heavenly Father on April 28, 2011 at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas. He was born on April 23, 1943, to the late Ralph W. and Lela (Freeman) Burns in Texhoma, Texas, and was the oldest of four children.
He was raised and lived on his parents’ farm in the Eva, Oklahoma, community. While growing up on the farm, Bill learned how to raise crops and animals. He finished his academic career with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education with an emphasis in mathematics, science and electricity from Oklahoma Panhandle State University in 1965. After graduation, he was employed at Allied Chemical Plant in Chicago, Illinois, and remained there until the summer of 1969. His teaching career began that fall at Elkhart High School. He taught students mathematics, electricity and life lessons for over 40 years.
Bill exemplified leadership through hard work and dedication in everything to which he was committed. He was an elder in the First Christian Church of Elkhart, Kansas. Bill taught Sunday school classes, was a youth group leader, and helped in many other aspects of church leadership.
In addition to teaching, Bill was involved in many other aspects of education. He was president of the Oklahoma State School Board Association, a member of the Yarbrough School Board for 37 years, leader of the quiz bowl, athletic coach, referee, and active member in the Yarbrough, Elkhart and Rolla school systems.
On September 4, 1964, he was united in holy matrimony to Janet Eileen Sipes, the love of his life. To this union, four children were born: Jody, Kimberly, Billy Don and Kristi. Bill cherished his wife until his earthly
departure.
He leaves a cherished legacy to his wife, Janet Burns; his siblings, Bob Burns and wife Jackie of Dallas, Texas, Bryan Burns and wife Vicki of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brenda Hall and husband Steve of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his four children, Jody Burns of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kimberly Bruner and husband David of Yampa, Colorado, Billy Don Burns and wife Crystal of Logan, New Mexico, and Kristi Burroughs and husband JD of Haughton, Louisiana; grandchildren, DaKota Bruner, Lexi Burroughs, Kourtney Bruner, Kambry Burns, Kayedence Bruner, Natalie Burroughs, and Brock Burns; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be held Monday, May 02, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the Yarbrough School North Gymnasium in Yarbrough, Oklahoma with Pastor Jim Cunningham and Pastor Ron Wilson presiding. Interment will be at the Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, Kansas. Friends may call Sunday, May 01, 2011 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart. Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the First Christian Church or the Yarbrough School both in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.
