Steven Douglas Burns

Steven Douglas Burns, 65, Marceline, died May 1, 2015, at Centennial Hills Hospital, Las Vegas, Nev., with his wife of 42 years by his side. Memorial visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at Delaney Funeral Home, Marceline, with military honors at 8 p.m. provided by Bucklin American Legion Green Hills Post #57. Cards may be sent to Delaney Funeral Home 1720 N. Missouri Ave., Marceline, MO 64658. Services will be in Las Vegas with burial in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, Nev. Memorials to Marceline R-5 Athletic Department of Bucklin American Legion Post 57 may be left at or mailed to the funeral home at 1720 N. Missouri Ave., Marceline, Mo. 64658. Steven was born January 5, 1950, in Lynwood, Calif. He was the second of three children born of William and Verna Burns. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 9 years and the United States Navy for 13 years. After retiring from the military, Steven went on to become a funeral director and a postmaster. In September of 1972, Steven married Candace Leigh Rasmussen at Grace Brethren Church in Anaheim, California. Steven and Candace had two children, Steven Jr. and Jennifer. Steven joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968. After returning from Vietnam, he served at several Marine Corps bases and served as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. He transferred to the Marine Corp Reserves in 1977 and then moved his family to Waterloo, Iowa. In 1979, he joined the United States Navy as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator and Rescue Swimmer. Steven served several tours on the USS Independence CV-62 and the USS John Rodgers DD-983. During his service on the USS Independence, he helped evacuate the U.S. Marines from Lebanon after the Marine Barracks was attacked. During his military service, Steven Burns was awarded the Purple Heart and Joint Service Commendation Medal. He retired from the military in 1990. After a short stop in Texas, he moved to Missouri, and has resided there since 1992. He worked for the U.S. Post Office as a postal clerk for several years and then as a Postmaster for Purdin and Bucklin, and was a part time employee for Delaney Funeral Home, Marceline. Steven was active in the community and member of the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge. He scouted for several Marceline School sports teams, was a member of the Marceline High School Booster Club, and officiated youth sports throughout Missouri. He was known for his portrayal of Santa Claus and participated in local theater and numerous other community events. He was an active member of Bethany Baptist Church. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Candace; son, Steven, Jr.; daughter, Jennifer Lester; brother, Edward; sister, Beverly Sayer; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law; two brother-in-laws; several aunts, an uncle, nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.