Clarence Edward "Ed" Burns, 91, died Tuesday morning, April 19, 2011 at Wisteria Gardens in Pearl, MS. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Wednesday April 20, 2011 at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, and 10 AM Thursday at St Matthews United Methodist Church in Madison with services to follow at 11 AM.
Burns was born on October 26, 1919 to Edward Holmes Burns and Ida Saxton Burns in Benton, MS. He was a self-employed businessman most of his career. He served his country in the US Army Air Corps during World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the 414th B-17 Squadron of the 97th Bomb Group. The 97th was part of the 8th Air Force in England, the 12th Air Force in North Africa, and the 15th Air Force in Italy. Burns was a decorated veteran being awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service as well as other individual and company commendations.
Mr. Burns was preceded in death by his mother and father, two brothers, a sister, and his beloved wife of 58 years, Annie Lou Downing Burns.
He is survived by 3 sons, Robert (Gwen), Barry (Connie), and David (Susan), 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
