David L. Burns

David L. Burns, 71, of Fort Wayne left this world and began his new journey on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family. Dave was born on December 31, 1949, to the late Virginia and Eldon Burns. He graduated from North Side High School with the class of 1968 where he was a national merit scholar. Dave lettered in football and basketball as well as played drums in marching band. He attended Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne before being accepted to IU Dental School in 1971. After graduating in 1975, he opened his practice on East State Blvd. and then moved after a few years to a new office in southwest Fort Wayne. He practiced dentistry there for 42 years. Dave loved all sports but most of all ice hockey. He was the team dentist for the Fort Wayne Komets for many years and was elated when they won the Kelly Cup this year. Dave met his future wife, Gayle, on a blind date set up by one his dental assistants. They were married for 39 years. Dave and Gayle loved to travel and he was known to some as Reverend Bo Ernest. Those who know why will get a chuckle and remember the good times they all had together. Another love of Dave’s was golf. Any time anywhere. Dave was a member at the Fort Wayne Country Club where he made many lifelong friends. He was also a member of the American Dental Association and Isaac Knapp District Dental Society where in 2020 he was honored for his capable and effective leadership, service and devotion to the advancement of the science and art of dentistry. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Molly (Vel) Brooks; stepchildren, Jay (Nicole) Rosen and Jon (Beth) Rosen; grandchildren, Devyn and Jadyn Brooks, Jayden and Jayla Rosen, Kennedy Rosen (Nick) Wagner, Dyson and Tucker Rosen; three brothers, Thom (Marcia) Burns, Paul (Joan) Burns, and Jim Burns; sister, Patricia (Manual) Paitan; and many nieces and nephews. A grandson, Jordyn David Brooks, preceded him in death. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 W. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021 at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne. Private family burial will occur at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse, Trinity English Lutheran Church, or donor's choice.