Johnny was born in Hutchinson, KS to Bud and Dot Burns on November 13, 1951. He went to school at Burrton, KS. He married Myrna Collins on April 11, 1971 in Burrton, KS. They had one child, KC (Burns) Ortega. He married Debbi (Youker) Bowman on May 12, 1990 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They had one daughter, Sophie Burns and he gained two sons, Thomas and David Bowman. Johnny graduated from US Army Flight School in 1971. He was an Army veteran of Vietnam and was awarded a Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross. He worked as a helicopter pilot for nearly 50 years, including on offshore oil rigs, Alaska bush flying, and medical air transport. He was also an incredible musician who wrote dozens of original songs and lyrics on the guitar.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Dot Burns and Bud L. C. Burns.
Johnny is survived by his wife Debbi Burns; sons David Bowman, Will Gentry, and Thomas Bowman; daughters K.C. Ortega and Sophie Burns; brother Jim Burns and his wife Coletta; grandchildren Dalton, Cayenne, Noba, Solomon, Marnie, Olivia, and Elliott
Memorials may be given to OMRF in his memory.
The family of Johnny Burns wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his co-workers, the caregivers at INTEGRIS Deaconess Hospital, and those at INTEGRIS Hospice House.
