In Memory of Billy Burns

born January 23, 1946 - died August 22, 2025

Below: Billy's senior picture, Billy in the military in 1968, and Billy in 2012
       

From Billy's obituary:
Billy Dean Burns, age 79, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at a local nursing home.
Billy was born on January 23, 1946, in Kansas, the son of Richard and Dorothy Burns. Billy was the second oldest of four siblings. He grew up in Garnett, Kansas, where he attended Garnett High School. Following his graduation, Billy proudly served his country in the Army. Billy served in Vietnam, where he was wounded in service and earned a Purple Heart. After returning home, he moved to Wichita and worked for many years at Excel Meat Packing Company, where he also served as President of his Union from an early point in his career.
Billy was known for his strong will, ornery spirit, and his gift for storytelling. While much of his life was filled with humor and tales that brought laughter to others, when he spoke about his service in Vietnam, it was with respect and purpose. He shared those experiences primarily at local schools, helping younger generations understand the realities of war and the sacrifices made. His family often described him as obstinate and ornery, a quality that brought both humor and challenge throughout his life. His stubborn streak was such a part of him that, at one point, he was even asked to leave a nursing home, something his family recognized as perfectly capturing his determined nature.
He also had a playful side that brought laughter to many. Before he became fully disabled, Billy would ride around on his lawn mower catching gophers for his neighbors. He loved the movie Caddyshack, and the connection between his favorite film and his real-life "business" made for many hilarious stories that family and friends still laugh about today.
In 2019, Billy moved to the Joplin area before becoming a resident at NHC, where he formed lasting bonds with the staff and other residents. He will be deeply missed by those who cared for him and appreciated his humor and tenacity. Above all, Billy loved his family, especially his grandchildren, with all his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Dorothy Burns, and his oldest brother, John. He is survived by his daughters, Donna Witzman and Rhonda Falberg; his sister, Connie Demoret and husband Leon; his brother, Richard Burns and wife See; grandchildren, Dakota Witzman and wife Deborah, Shelby Witzman and husband Chris Koval, Sierra Witzman and partner Cameron Pinyan, Austin Witzman, Aleksandria Avery and husband Anthony, and Ash Falberg; five great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews, along with other extended family members and friends.
He will be buried in the Garnett Cemetery.

Info as of 2005: Billy joined the Army right out of high school in 1965. He went to basic training in Missouri and advanced infantry training in California. He was sent to Vietnam shortly thereafter where he served until 1968. He moved to Wichita and worked in the meat industry for 20 years, then went to school to be a electrician. He is now retired.
Billy and his wife, Bon, were married in 1996. At one time he was the finance officer for the Purple Heart chapter in Wichita and the S Adjutant for the Military Order of the Purple Heart State of Kansas. There is more info about Billy's military service and photos he sent me in the Military file.

In one of those odd coincidences that seem to happen way more than you might expect, my daughter met Billy in 2000. Kendi works at the postal sorting center in Wichita. She went to a party given by one of her co-workers. She did not know Billy but overheard someone ask him where he was from and his reply of "Garnett". She asked a few questions and discovered he was in the class of '65!

Billy attended GHS for his freshman and senior years. He attended school in Conway, Arkansas his sophomore and junior years.

High School Activities
Freshman: Football, Track     Sophomore: Football     Junior: Football     Senior: Football

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