Howard Thomas Burns Sr.

Howard Thomas Burns, Sr., 77, died at his home near Sikeston Thursday, Jan 16, 2014. He was born Jan. 24, 1936 in Sikeston to the late Rev. Thomas F. and Ethel (Hawkins) Burns. He was a machine operator at Proctor & Gamble and retired in 1991. They had resided in Jackson from 1975-1997 but had lived here most of his life and was a member of the Diehlstadt General Baptist Church. On Aug. 19, 1953 he was married to Ludene Cooksey at Sikeston and she survives of the home. Also surviving are 4 sons & daughters-in-law Howard T. & Debbie Burns, Jr. of Sandwich, IL, Dennis W. & Terry Burns of Matthews, James S. "Bo" & Laurie Burns of Gordonville and Randal Rowdy & Amy Burns of Sikeston. 3 daughters & sons-in-law, Carolyn Diann & Rick Knight of Oak Ridge, Donna Janice & Mike Tucker of Sikeston and Tammy Jaenine & Mike Hampton of Sikeston. 3 brothers: Earl Burns of Diehlstadt, Roger Burns of Sikeston and Rev. Bobby Jack Burns of Diehlstadt. 2 sisters: Darlene Burns of Alton, IL and Sandra Hurley of Canalou. 15 grandchildren amd 14 great-grandchildren and 1 very special friend Melissa Diakite also survive. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Henry Dowdy, 1 brother, 3 sisters and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Visitation will be at Blanchard Funeral Chapel from 11 am Saturday Jan 18 until time for services at 1:00 pm with Dwayne Kirkpatrick, Pastor of Diehlstadt General Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brandon Tucker, Brian Burns, Jeremy Grither, Gary Keeton, Richie Knight, Gauge Heady, Ashley Burns and Jerry Hart. Online condolences may be shared with the family at blanchardfuneral.com