Jack was born on September 6, 1936 in Peoria, a son of David F. and Mary Ellen (Loring) Burns. He married Melinda L. Shirley on May 28, 1983 in Kansas City, KS. He was formerly married to Mildred “Millie” Arlene Adams of Peoria. His parents and one brother, Robert Clemens, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Melinda of Many, Louisiana; daughters, Peri J. (Andy) Bozdech of Defiance, MO and Pam S. (Chuck) Buskirk of Morton; sons, Jack L. (Patty) Burns, Jr. of Meredosia and Gary A. (Julie) Clark of Yates City; stepsons, Donnie (Cathy) Throndson of Wisconsin Dells, Ron (Ellen) Throndson of Oklahoma City, Ray Throndson of Yukon, OK and Doug (Kim) Hoy of Baraboo, WI; stepdaughters, Debbie K. Zimmerman (D.J. Wheeler) of Yukon, OK and Kathy R. Lee (Kenny Hoetsinger) of Jones, OK; nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
Jack was raised as a parishioner of the former St. Boniface Parish, now St. Ann Catholic Church, in Peoria. From 1965 to 1978, Jack and Millie raised their children as parishioners of the former St. John Parish in Peoria.
He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving from December 29, 1954 to July 25, 1957. He retired in 1998 as an electrician for IBEW Local 34 in Peoria. Jack was an electrician for forty years.
He loved riding motorcycles, fishing, traveling, boating and working on boats. His favorite times were spent on the lake. He also enjoyed watching wrestling, football and golf and listening to country music. Hank Williams, Jr. was his favorite performer.
