Wilbur Gene Burns, a 78-year-old resident of Lake Viking, died on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at the Liberty Hospital.
A tribute will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2007 at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin. Graveside services will follow at the Civil Bend Christian Cemetery near Pattonsburg, under the direction of the McWilliams Family Funeral Homes.
Mr. Burns was born on Sept. 22, 1928 in rural Daviess County, the son of Wiley and Margaret Duffey Burns. He attended Gallatin High School He enlisted in the U.S.Army in 1946 and served three years. After being discharged, he was married in Kansas City on Oct. 6, 1950 to Margaret Groves, who survives of the home. The couple started farming on a farm near Coffey for a short period of time before moving to the Davis farm near Jameson, where they raised their family and farmed for 49 years. During that time, he farmed many acres of row crops and also raised cattle, hogs and sheep. The couple retired and moved to Lake Viking in 2002.
Mr. Burns was a member of the Highway Christian Church near Bethany, where he served as deacon. He was a past member of the Jameson and Lake Viking Lions Clubs. He was a volunteer fire fighter for the Jameson District and was instrumental in the building of the fire station. He and his granddaughters led the annual Jameson Picnic parade, carrying the flags for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and grandchildren. He attended and enjoyed the activities in which his grandchildren participated and especially enjoyed watching his granddaughter, Lindsey, dance.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Jean Dustman and her husband, Lynn, of Laredo; two sisters George Houghton of Hutchinson, KS and Marion Thudium of Liberty; a grandson, Brent Dustman and his wife, Tammy, of Laredo; two granddaughters, Mike and Lindsey Dustman of Laredo; two great-grandchildren, Brooke and Tori Lyn Dustman of Laredo; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parentgs; two sons, Terry and Dennis Burns; and two brotherws, Gerald Burns and an infant, George.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Gallatin Senior Citizens Center in Gallatin.
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