Joel Burns

Born in Washington, D.C., Joel was the cherished son of Judith “Judy” Burns and Brigadier General Harmon E. Burns. Raised in a military family, he spent his early years traveling and moving throughout the United States and abroad, including time on both coasts and in Saudi Arabia. Those formative experiences nurtured a lifelong curiosity, an easy adaptability, and a rare gift for connecting with people from every background.

Joel attended Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, graduating in 1973. There, his enduring love of baseball took root, crowned by a proud milestone: as a member of the Jesuit team that captured the TCIL State Championship in 1973. He continued his studies at Stephen F. Austin State University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Marketing from Texas Tech University in 1977.

Joel built an exceptional career in sales and leadership, beginning at The Dallas Morning News. Charismatic, driven, and widely respected, he went on to lead teams across the country, including more than two decades with Franklin Templeton Investments, where he was voted “Wholesaler of the Year” by managing executives and peers. He later joined Harmony Capital, working closely with family to support the research and marketing of investment opportunities, business properties, and assets. An entrepreneur in every sense, Joel ultimately founded SPKDRM, where he developed two patented proprietary technologies, a testament to his ingenuity and relentless drive to innovate.

Above all, Joel was defined by the relationships he cultivated and the spirit he brought into every room. His personality is perfectly captured in a quote describing one of his icons, Arnold Palmer; “He has duende. D-U-E-N-D-E. Duende. Not many guys have that. That transcends charisma. It transcends being awesome.” All who knew Joel would agree. He had DUENDE: warm, magnetic, endlessly curious, and animated by a love of music, storytelling, and delightfully out of the box thinking that turned ordinary moments into lasting memories. His life was fueled by connection with lifelong friends, new acquaintances, and everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Joel is survived by his three children, Katie, Brian, and Laura, and by the light of his life, his grandson Beau. He is also survived by his brother, John Burns, and John’s wife, Christina; his former wife and the mother of his children, Nancy Burns; and his beloved nieces and nephews: Jeremy Fetter and his wife Erin, Jenny Green and her husband Shawn, Judy Fetter, Trina Dean and her husband Rob, Tori Humphrey, Stephen Lehn and his wife Michelle, and Justin Lehn; He is also survived by his cherished companion Liz Joyce, brother-in-law Jerry Fetter, brother-in-law Robert Lehn and his wife Lynda, and his father-in-law Edward Lehn. Joel was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Harmon “Buzz” Burns and his wife Sue, and his sister Laurie Fetter, who we all know have welcomed him into heaven with open arms.

Joel will be remembered for his DUENDE, his joy for life, his creativity, his sense of humor, and the way he made people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. He was an extraordinary father, grandfather (“Pops”), and friend, and his legacy will live on in the love, laughter, and countless memories he leaves behind.

A memorial service celebrating Joel’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225, with a reception to follow. Attire is snappy casual, wear whatever makes you feel great, "Tommy Bahama Best" Color is welcomed- Joel would want everyone to wear whatever they want for his celebration of life.

***DISCLAIMER Tommy Bahama is not sponsoring this message, and the brand is not required, it's the vibe.***