Gary Dale Burns

two year struggle following a double lung transplant. Gary was a loving husband, father and friend

known for his generosity, energetic presence and passion for storytelling. Gary was born November 16, 1949 in Crowder, MO but moved to Oklahoma as a child. A true Oklahoman at heart and often

reminisced about his adventures in Oklahoma to his friends and family. Gary’s story began in rural

Oklahoma where his childhood was filled with backwoods adventures and mischief which were often

the center of his unbelievable stories. Gary went on to honorably serve two tours in Viet Nam with

the U S Army and had a long successful career in the U S Coast Guard as an aviation

mechanic and search & rescue where he eventually retired as a Chief Petty Officer.

Gary was introduced to his loving wife Nancy by her brother Steve Maggio when they were Coast

Guard roommates in San Diego, CA. Gary and Nancy were married in 1994 and he settled in Phoenix.

Gary was a true lover of life, his smile would light up a room, he was always helping friends and

family with a mechanical, plumbing problem or any project he could assist on. He was known as MacGyver by most as he could come up with a fix with a paper clip, duct tape or bungee cord. We

will all miss his kindness! Gary was preceded in death by his son Trey Burns.

Gary is survived by his wife Nancy Burns, son Shayne Burns, mother Clara Cavett, brother Timmy Burns and wife Kathryn, sister’s Sherry and husband Zeek Walton,

Gayla and husband Mike Heusser, brother-in-law Steve and wife Kim Maggio, sister-in-law Joan Lessner,

In-laws, Steve and Gloria Maggio and numerous nephews , nieces, family and friends.

Viewing will be held Thursday September 15th from 6:00 – 8:00 at:

Phoenix Memorial Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ

Grave site Military burial is Friday September 16th at 10:00 a.m. at National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ/ Luncheon following at Steve and Kim’s house 29300 N. 76th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Gary to:

Make-A-Wish Arizona

2901 N. 78th Street

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Arrangements under the direction of Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, Phoenix, AZ.