Robert was born June 5, 1950 in New Orleans, to Robert and Lois Burns. He was a longtime Amarillo resident attending Paramount Terrace, Crockett, and graduating from Tascosa High School. He also studied Criminal Justice at Amarillo College. He was employed at Pantex for 39 years, retiring in 2015. Roberts greatest joy was his family and his love for cars. He enjoyed riding motorcycles in the mountains, collecting guns, and being known as the family curmudgeon. He was a very simple guy who loved spending time with his family and friends. On May 26, 1984, Robert married his lifetime best friend, Melissa. They spent the last 36 years laughing and enjoying life together. Roberts life was changed in 2007 when he received a kidney transplant from a young man named, Dave Collyer. He had a new found appreciation for life and spent every day living it to the fullest and remembering the man who gave him a second chance. In 2011, Robert received a phone call from his half-sister that he had never met. Since then they have been inseparable and made up for the lost time. He was so grateful for the extended family that he was able to spend time with before he went home. Robert will be missed by all who knew him.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Lois Burns, sister, Carol Jan Burns, daughter, Amy Burns Burk, Mother and father in law, Mack and Alvana Harms.
Robert is survived by his wife, Melissa Burns of Amarillo; daughter, Julie Castle; sister, Teri Lynn Butler and husband Mark of Hutto; sister-in-law, Melody Brooks and husband John; granddaughter Ayslinn Burk & fiancé Dylan Morris; grandsons, Ledger Burk & Dakota Burns; nephews, Stephen Bright & wife, Ana Lisa; Jason Bright & wife Amanda; great-nephews Jeremiah & Cameron; and great-niece Lily; cousins, Paul & Kay Lofton of Shawnee, OK, Bill & Joanna Parker of Edmond, OK; Steve Byars of Largo, FL, grand-dog, Pollie Jae and numerous friends.
The family suggests memorials be made to The American Cancer Society.
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