William F. "Fred" Burns

William Fredrick "Fred� Burns unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2004, after a sudden and brief illness. He was born on July 5, 1924 to John and Myrtle Burns. He was one of nine children.
Fred was a 1942 graduate of William Chrisman High School along with his wife of 46 years, Nellie Millard Burns who preceded him in death in 1990.
After service in the Navy during World War II, Fred returned to the Kansas City area where he received his law degree from the University of Kansas City (now UMKC). After a short career as an insurance executive, Fred entered private law practice in Independence, Missouri in 1957 where he continued to practice law until his death. In addition to his private law practice, Fred served for many years as Municipal Judge for both Independence and Sugar Creek, and prior to his judgeships, as an Assistant Prosecutor for Jackson County.
Fred was a long-time member of the First Christian Church of Independence where he had served as a Deacon and an Elder. He also was an avid golfer and continued to play until his death. Fred maintained enduring friendships and community service with members of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriner�s, particularly with the Jesters club.
Fred is survived and will be greatly missed by his two sons and their wives, Fred and DeAnn Burns of Prairie Village and Guy and Debi Burns of St. Pete Beach, Florida. Survivors also include his grandchildren: Heidi Burns and William Fred "Tad� Burns, III and his wife Cathy and daughter Anna, all of Rochester, Minnesota; and Shannon Burns of Tampa, Florida. Other members of his family are Marcella Crawford, his loving companion for the past 11 years, and her daughters and their families: Pam Gibson and her son Charlie; and Sharon and Denny Borchardt. The family wishes to send a special thanks to Kathy Nevans, Fred�s long-time legal assistant for her devoted care and service.
While his brothers John, Bob, and Joe, and sisters Katherine Quiet, and Dorothy VanDoosen preceded him in death, two of Fred�s sisters, Lenora "Snookie� Jones and Gretchen Galvin, and countless nieces and nephews also survive him.
These are only some of the events and relationships that marked Fred�s 80 years. There is no way to chronicle his affect and effect on the lives he touched. Fred, known as Ted to his immediate family, will continue to be loved, respected, missed, and remembered by all who were lucky enough to share their lives with him.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Speaks Funeral Home (Suburban Chapel) located at 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, Missouri. Funeral services also will be conducted at the Speaks Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2004. Internment will follow at Mount Washington Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Fred and his family request donations to the First Christian Church of Independence located at 125 S. Pleasant Street, Independence, Missouri 64050 or Kansas City Habitat for Humanity, located at 1423 E. Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64109.