He was born on June 18, 1934, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Stella (Bricker) and Earl Otis Burns. Skip graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and then graduated from The Ohio State University with both a Bachelor and Master degree in accounting. While at OSU, he was a valued athlete and earned 3 varsity letters in baseball. Skip served his country with the US Army from 1956-1958 and was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4th Class. He was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
In 1957, he married Kathleen (Casey) Thieding, and they began a long, happy marriage. A hard worker from the beginning, Skip retired as the Treasurer and Executive Vice President of Mansfield Brass and Aluminum. He was an amazing husband and great father who was fair, generous and patient in guiding his children to adulthood and beyond. He possessed an intelligence that encompassed many subjects, enjoyed tinkering and was quite adept at fixing most anything. Skip was an adventurer who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He had many successful fishing adventures at the Mohican and Kokosing Rivers and most enjoyed fishing in Ontario, Canada, when he could get away. Golf became a particularly satisfying hobby where he could spend time with his son and his friends.
Skip is survived by a son, Timothy (Susan) Burns; daughter, Linda Burns Willis; four grandchildren, Logan (Emily) Willis, Jake (Katie) Burns, Ashlynn (Matt) Cochran and Mitch Burns; one great-grandson, Benjamin Burns; one great-grandchild on the way; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and relatives. He is also survived by Casey’s brother and sisters including Brent Lewis of Ohio, Cherie (Paul) Fitzpatrick of Arizona, Carla (Larry) Stamper of Kentucky, and Cindy (Alan) Zatik of Ohio.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Casey Burns; grandson, Sean Willis; two brothers, Earl (Eileen) Burns Jr. and Richard (Neva) Burns; a sister, Geraldine (Paul) Gurik; three sisters-in-law, Donna (Roy) Potts Brinegar (Ora), Sandy (Tom) Mills and Jackie Ayers.
Honoring Skip’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A graveside service will be observed. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
