Robert "Bob" Larry Burns

March 22, 1937 - February 4, 2025

Bob Burns passed in the early hours of February 4 in Oxford, Mississippi. He is survived by his three children, Denyce (David) Dean, Tom Burns, and Katie Burns; his grandchildren, Kimber (Luke) Savidge, Peyton (Kelsey) Culbertson, Sean Burns, and Ryleigh Burns; his step grandchildren Amanda (Sean) Martin, Heather (Joey) Hunter, Mitchell Dean, Derek (Lauren) Dean and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy (Bud) Robnett, brother, Douglas (Lawni) Burns, and sister-in-law, Sarah Whyte.

Bob was the oldest of five children born to Herman (Bud) and Alice Burns. He spent his childhood in Los Angeles until his parents moved the family to Palmdale, CA, where Bob graduated from Antelope Valley High School in 1955. As an adult, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps and, after leaving the Marines, brought his young family back to California. There, Bob worked for Rocketdyne testing equipment used by NASA until joining the California Highway Patrol. As a California Highway Patrolman, Bob worked as a Traffic Officer in Newhall, Ventura, Sacramento, Merced, and Stockton. As a Sergeant in Blythe, Pleasanton, ultimately retiring from the Valley Springs office.

During his career, Bob jumped into the Pacific Ocean with a good Samaritan to help rescue a trucker who had lost control of his rig and landed in the ocean. In Sacramento, he worked auto theft and once worked with a group as consultants on a movie about auto theft. He helped protect Coalinga, CA, from looting after the 1983 quake and worked security during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. His career offered him the opportunity to serve his community and state with honor.

Bob lived a life of service both professionally and privately. Bob was a member of the Masons since his teen years, first participating in DeMolay, then joining as a Mason like his father before him. He also joined the Elks, the Lions, and, for almost thirty years, the Loyal Order of Moose. Bob received the Pilgrim Degree of Merit; it is the highest honor in the Loyal Order of Moose. This was one of many awards/honors he received. All these organizations allowed him to participate in community service locally and nationally through giving both his time and monetary donations. Bob also loved helping out his community, in general. He was the person people called when they needed help at an event, a ride, or a conversation.

Bob was a very talented artist. He painted gorgeous artwork, made beautiful wood workings of all kinds and worked with a group that made toys for the underserved children to ensure they had toys at Christmas. He loved model railroad trains and volunteered at a train park.

Bob loved his family and spending time with them. Anytime he was out, he would brag about his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren and their accomplishments. His grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride and joy for Bob, as were his great grandchildren for the last many years.

Bob will be celebrated with military honors on November 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM, and be laid to rest at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for any remembrances and donations to be sent to Ebbets Pass Moose Lodge 1965 Blagen Road Arnold, CA 95223 RE: Bob Burns' Playground. All donations will be used to improve the playground at the Moose Lodge, giving families a place to bring their children.