Benton W. Burns

Benton Wayne Burns, age 80, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on October 18th, 2025. Born in Harvey, Illinois, he attended Hammond High School and Purdue University in Indiana. In 1965, he enlisted in the US Air Force, retiring after 26 years with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. His military service took him to many assignments including ones in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Idaho, Thailand, Vietnam, California, Florida, New York, Spain, England, Belgium, Germany, Turkey and finally Nevada. He performed 15 of his 26 years overseas. He was the recipient of numerous awards and medals including four Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, U.S. Navy Unit Citation, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the USAF, he was recruited as Operations Manager of MRO Communications, An AT&T service bureau. Two and a half years later, that company was acquired in a merger. He then managed a Las Vegas supper club until it was sold two years later. Moving to South Carolina, he accepted a position with Grimes Aerospace as Aircraft Repair Operations Manager. When that company was acquired by Allied Signal, he was offered a position at ADB Airfield Solutions in Gahanna, Ohio where he served in various positions as Regional Manager, Key Account Manager, and Product Support Manager from 1998 until his retirement in July 2012. He was a life member of the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Air Force Association. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Preceded in death by his parents, Benton and Lois (Bell) Burns, his brother Michael Burns, and sister Lily Schiltz. He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 54 years, son Troy Burns, daughter-in-law Brandie and grandchildren Trevor & Alexis. He is also survived by brother, Robert Burns and his family. A member of a large extended family, he is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews scattered throughout the United States.

No services have been scheduled at this time.