William Richard Burns

William “Bill” is survived by his wife of 35 years Mary Kathryn Burns, biological children: Toni Burns Van Reeth (Jack), Aaron Burns, Heidi Burns Ogg and step-children: Mark Wayne Chapman, Robyn Chapman Miller, Timothy Clark Chapman (Katherine), and Kathryn Diane Chapman. Bill also leaves behind grandchildren: Stephanie Gargus (Eric), Will Miller (Marilyn), Jared Miller, Jacob Chapman, Madeline Chapman and great-grandchildren: Alena Gargus, Nikolas Gargus, Gavin Miller and Harlan Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents O.K. and Muriel Wright Burns and sister: Jollie Burns.

William graduated from Beaverdam High School in Beaverdam, Ohio in 1956. Bill served in the US Air Force from 1956-1966 and during that time graduated from the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Course in Denver, CO. In 1993, Bill earned a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from Northwood University. He later served nearly 20 years as a professor at North Lake College, teaching construction management and building code.

Bill worked in the construction field all over the state of Colorado. In his younger years, and while in Denver at a Sunday School convention, he met Mary Kathryn. It was love at first sight, and they began a long distance relationship, that started with letters and ended in marriage. He relocated to the Dallas area to begin a life with Mary and her family.

Bill retired from both the City of Irving and Farmers Branch where he was Building Code Inspector. He had a strong work ethic, consulting and traveling for Square Peg Partners as long as he was physically able. Bill was a lifelong learner. He was proud of his many professional accomplishments, including 46 Master Building Code Certifications in the US and Mexico. He was in high demand with his expertise as a building code consultant. Family and friends kept Bill busy with projects and his knowledge of anything that needed repair.

William was a member of First Methodist Mansfield where he loved to sing in the choir with his wife , Mary Kathryn. He served 35 years with Kids Kount Ministries where “Mr. Bill” and “Mrs. Mary” led 34 summer camps in Broken Bow, OK. Because of his commitment to summer camp, many memories were made, lives changed and many found love with the Lord. Bill loved to travel and was particularly interested in history. He loved to shop and one of his favorite hobbies was spoiling his Mary. He was a foodie at heart, always finding the best "out of the way" restaurants. He was truly a renaissance man. He was private, nostalgic and at times, complex. Bill found great joy in mentoring others and helping those in need. He was generous beyond words and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service for William will be held Friday, August 16, 2019 at 12:00 PM at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home Beltline Road, 2951 South Beltline Road, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at 2:15 PM at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.