Jack Burns, 78, was born on September 30, 1932 in Weaubleau, MO. He was born to LeRoy Burns and Libby Hurley Burns, who preceded him in death. One of seven children, Jack was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Hurley Burns, Maxine Burns McChestney, Marjorie Burns Mashburn, Robert Burns, and Gerald Burns.
Jack was born and raised on a farm outside of Weaubleau, MO, where he developed his strong work ethic and love of nature. His intellectual talents were recognized at a young age, and Jack was put in first grade at the age of 4. Jack graduated from Weaubleau High School. Jack continued his pursuit of knowledge throughout his life. He was an honor roll student at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. He also attended the University of Maryland, Far East Division in Okinawa, and completed a number of courses, including Real Estate Appraisal, Income Approach to Valuation, Assessment Administration, and Fundamentals of Mapping.
In 1948 he moved to Pleasanton, KS, to work on his sister’s dairy farm. It didn’t take long for Jack to meet the love of his life, in a neighboring small town. He was united in marriage on September 2, 1951 to Patsy Ratley. At that time he also started his 22½ year career in the United States Air Force. Jack served during the Korean War, and had 2 tours-of-duty in Viet Nam. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. During his service to his country Jack was stationed in Mississippi, New Foundland, New Mexico, Missouri, Kansas, Okinawa, Viet Nam, Hawaii, and Texas. He took a service-connected disability retirement in 1973. Jack’s career then took an entrepreneurial turn. He purchased the Weaubleau Drug Store, complete with an 1890’s soda shop. His homemade ice cream and large animal vet supplies brought customers from across the state.
In 1976 Jack ran for office. He was elected Hickory County Treasurer in 1976, and held that office until he was offered a job with the State Tax Commission. Jack began a 15–year career in 1982 as a Review Appraiser with the STC.
Jack served as an elder, church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and took his turn leading prayer, worship, and Bible study. He even preached a few sermons when needed. Jack stayed committed to his church family and remained a true leader at the Collins Christian Church.
Jack was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patsy Ratley Burns; son Donnie Burns and his companion Charlotte Redburn, along with her three children Breanica, Maranda, and Jessica Redburn of Osceola, MO; daughter Cathy Burns Pfitzner, and son-in-law Dan Pfitzner,of Kansas City, Mo; his beloved grandchildren Zac Pfitzner, Telisha Burns Dutcher, Amber Burns, and Kenneth Raymond; his sister Dorothy Worthan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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