Richard Allan Burns' Obituary
Richard Allan Burns
Beloved father, husband and brother was born February 3, 1947 in Columbia, Mo. He passed into the Lord’s presence on June 9 of this year at the age of 73. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Burns and mother, Wanda Robinson Burns. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Claire Burns; his brother, Robert Burns; his children, Rufus Blair, Gavra Woyewodzic and Allison Burns; and his grandchildren Kyla Burns and Rachel Blair. Memorial services will be held at Restland on July 11, 2020 at 2 pm in the chapel.
Richard and his family moved to Marshall, Texas where he ultimately grew up. He graduated from Marshall High School, Class of 1965. He graduated from North Texas State University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. After college, he owned and operated a jewelry store in Richardson and Plano, Texas. He worked for other jewelers such as Adelstien’s in Addison, Texas for several years. He made and designed one of a kind pieces for clients such as Tom Laundry, Roger Staubach, W.V. Grant, Ross Perot, Barbara Mandrell, Stetson, American Quarter Horse Association, and Lamar Hunt. He worked as a bus operator with Dallas County Schools for many years. His last employment was with DART, first as a train operator. This fulfilled a life-long dream of his. He retired from DART in 2011 as a bus operator.
Richard’s passions were his family, books, and anything transportation related. He had an extensive home library filled with topics ranging from history of cultures to conversational Klingon. He was an avid train enthusiast and would collect model trains. He was equally enthralled with cars and displayed many of his models in his home library. Books on said topics were prolific. He was a loyal fan of Ferrari and Formula 1. He spent many hours watching and conversing with his brother, Robert, on the topic. He loved all things science fiction and passed that love on to his children. Star Wars or Star Trek, it didn’t make any difference as long as his imagination was peaked. Richard could converse on any topic with friends or strangers.
Richard was an imaginative soul that could create art in a variety of mediums ranging from welding, to fine pencil drawings, to photography, to jewelry and digital media. The focuses of his art were trains, planes, and cars but also documented his travel. His home was filled with his favorite pictures he photographed or drew. His passion for creativity extended to cooking as well. He was a great cook and legendary gravy maker.
Richard loved his family. He loved music and dance. He loved to travel. He was generous with his time and his love towards his children. He was present for every concert, dance recital, sport event or parent conference. He was the best boo-boo kisser and splinter taker outer. He never missed an opportunity to be present for those he loved. This transferred to grandchildren as well. He had a life well lived and a laugh that will forever be remembered by family and friends.
Memorials can be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1333 Belt Line Road, Garland, Texas 75040-3267.
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