William Norman Burns

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Norman Burns. At 97, he lived a long and wonderful life.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Hester (Moore) Burns, son William (Billy) Norman Burns II, the mother of his children, Barbara (Hord) Burns, sisters Peg Holtzman, Mary Hoffman, Sarah Mitchell, brother Jack Burns, and stepson Antony Rutherford. He is survived by his daughters Melissa Closz (Michael), Kelly Loyd (Billy), and Christy Burns, granddaughters Caitlin Closz and Briana Loyd, his wife, Judy Church, and stepdaughter Megan Rutherford (James MacRae).

Bill was born on April 13, 1928, in Yatesboro, PA, one of 5 children. After moving to Gary, IN and graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army. He was proud of his time in the service as part of the Occupation Forces stationed in Japan. He ended his army career as a Sergeant Major. After the Army he attended college at Southwest Missouri State and graduated with a business degree.

Bill was married in 1956 to Barbara Hord and moved to Kansas City. 1960 brought several big changes to Bill’s life including a new job with IBM, the birth of his first daughter, Melissa, and becoming a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (the JC’s). Family was always the most important to him, but joining the JC’s introduced him to life-long friends.

By the 70’s, Barbara and Bill now had 3 daughters, and life was filled with activities with his girls. Whether playing catch in the backyard, Yahtzee by the fire, attending sporting events, or trips to the lake, making time for his daughters was always a priority. During the summer, weekends and holidays were spent boating and water skiing.

Yearly family reunions at Shafer Lake became legendary and meant so much to him spending time with his mother, siblings, children and dozens of nieces and nephews. As the years progressed and his girls grew up, they enjoyed fabulous adventures and travels together, even learning to scuba dive at the age of 70! A sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands, diving in Grand Cayman and Aruba, and dancing on the beaches in Mazatlan made for some amazing memories and stories.

In 2004, Bill joined in life with Judy Church and together they shared many new adventures. The couple spent several months every year in their New Zealand home in Nelson, as well as exploring some of the Pacific islands. Judy also introduced Bill to the US Air Force Association, attending many functions where he fit in well with the “spouses” group, being the only man among them!

Bill made many deep friendships and had a “lunch bunch” group with friends of 30+ years. He never met a stranger as anyone he met became a fast friend. He was a storyteller, a family man through and through, and he would brag on his children whenever he had a chance. Becoming a grandfather was a huge source of pride and joy and he relished the role.

Always with a hint of playfulness in his eyes and a joking nature, a contagious laugh and kind spirit, he will be greatly missed. His legacy of hope, family, faith and strength will live on in those he has left behind.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Tunnel to Towers.

To share a memory of Bill, or to leave a message for the family, visit the guestbook below.