Joseph W. Burns

The funeral service will be held on February 1st, 2015 – 11 AM to 1PM at McGilley Memorial Chapel - at 3325 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City MO, 64119. Visitation will be held at 11AM to 12:30PM and will include a service that will start at 12:30PM. Burial will be on Tuesday – February 3rd, 2015 at 1:30PM. More information will be provided during the service on Sunday, February 1st 2015 about the burial arrangements and meeting times for the caravan to Joseph’s final resting place in Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, KS.

Joseph was born in Kansas City, MO on March 4th 1949. He joined the United States Army in 1969. He served his country during the Vietnam War. During his 24 year career in the military his duty assignments also included Germany, Washington DC, Louisiana, and Texas. Joseph was a highly decorated soldier in the military and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorius Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 service Stars, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and other citations related to the service of his country. Joseph retired from the Military in August 1992. After his military career, Joseph worked for the United States Post Office.

Joseph was married to Beatrice Lorraine Burns on April 8th, 1972; they were married 42 loving years.

Joseph had many passions in life and his family was always a priority. The love of his life was Beatrice and he always made sure she was priority no matter where they ended up in the world…as long as they were together. His children were also a passion of his life…he would always be there to pick up the pieces when times were tough and give encouragement. Joseph was a very private person and despite keeping things “close to the vest” he had a heart of gold. He would donate time and efforts to others in need and most did not know this about Joseph. He was an avid music enthusiast and loved to work on cars. He was loved and will be missed.

Joseph is survived by James and Christopher – his sons, Ashley and Christopher – his grandchildren, Jewel – His sister, Tammy – his niece, and other family and friends.

Joseph is preceded in death by Beatrice – his loving wife, Elizabeth - his mother, James Wesley – His father.

In lieu of flowers, the family is planning to use memorial donations to purchase A Unit Memorial Tablet and Memorial Brick at The National Vietnam War Museum located in Weatherford, TX. Any overages to the fund will be sent to the Monks at St. Benedicts. Please send the donations to Burns Family c/o Christopher and Melinda Burns – 912 Chesire Ct, White House, TN 37188.

The family of Joseph Walter Burns wishes to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and time during this difficult period.