Here is the obituary, including the information on services:
Richard "Dick" Jay Burns, 74, of Bonner Springs, Kansas, passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on Monday, September 22nd, 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Johnson Dr. and Monticello Rd in Shawnee, KS. With burial to follow in Bonner Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the visitation on Thursday evening, Sept. 25, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. The Rosary will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church prior to the visitation.
Dick was born Dec. 11, 1933 in Cherryvale, Kansas to Robert E. and Matilda R. (Morey) Burns. He graduated from Pittsburg State University in1958 and went on to receive a master's degree in
1962. He married Marjorie "Marge" Ann Blaes in 1961 and they had 8 children. Dick began teaching industrial arts and coaching football in 1959 at Bonner Springs High School where he spent his entire teaching career until he suffered a stroke and retired in 1993. "Coach Burns" started the wrestling program in 1968.
He was inducted into the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988. Dickwas very involved with the youth of the community serving as recreation director for the city of Bonner Springs for many years and coaching several youth sports teams. He and Marge received the Marion Vaughn Community Service Award in 1994 for their service to the Bonner Springs Community. Richard was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Church. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and sang at several weddings during his lifetime. He is fondly remembered for leading the Bonner Springs Braves teams of the 1960's and 1970's in a victory song, "The Goat".
He is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie in 1994. And is survived by a sister, Catherine Truster of Sidney, OH and a brother, Michael Burns of Wichita, KS. Two sons; Richard L. Burns and his wife Rebecca of Platte City, MO and Daniel Burns and wife Karen of Linwood, KS. Six daughters; Matilda "Tillie"
LaPlante and husband Gregory, Patricia Nickell and husband Duane all of Bonner Springs, Victoria Burns of Manhattan, KS, Jacqueline Burns of Edwardsville, KS, Coleen Hotop and husband Christopher of Kansas City, MO, and Michaeleen "Micki" Burns of Dallas, TX. A foster son Guy Tiner of Bonner Springs, KS. Eleven Grandchildren; Kendall, Jared, Jessica, Elliott, Nicholas, Daniel, Sarah, Oliver, Max, Marjorie and Lucy. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church or Kansas City Hospice. Arr. Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, 913-422-4074
