Cecil E Burns

He was born in Rumford a son of John R. and Rose M. (Paradis) Burns.

Cecil was educated in Mexico schools and was a graduate of Mexico High School Class of 1936. He later graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Class of 1947 with a BA Degree in Education and was proud and grateful for the opportunity to attend. He received a Masters Degree in 1957 from Long Beach State College, Long Beach CA, and in 1959 received a Masters Degree in Administration.

Cecil was enlisted in the US Army Air Force Pilot Training Program in 1942 and was selected Student Officer for Corps of Cadets, and became Wing Commander of 1200 Cadets. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and graduated with Wings.

Cecil played for five years with the Millionaires Football Team and with the Winthrop Mills Semi Pro Team.

He taught at Mexico High School from 1947 to 1955, and coached football and basketball.

Cecil later taught in the Long Beach Unified School District from 1955 to 1981, and was a teacher as well as school administrator.

He was a communicant of Incarnations Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida, and a member of the BPOE in Rumford. Cecil was Exalted Ruler in 1954.

Cecil was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the SAD 43 School board and was very active in community activities in Rumford and Sarasota.

He enjoyed riding his ATV with his brother Rae Burns and was a member of the Roxbury ATV club.

Cecil was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle.

Surviving are his wife of 69 years Geraldine (Knauer) Burns of Rumford; two children Dennis G. Burns of Denver Colorado, and Jolene Lovejoy and husband Richard of Rumford; a brother, Rae Burns and wife Lillian of Dixfield; six grandchildren, Hal Burns, Lael Graham, Angela Dreiling, Dannelle Newnam, Kristin Boerger, and Stephen Boerger; eleven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, Maxwell, George, Harry, Fr. T. Lee Burns, and a sister, Virginia Gaudet.

If so desired contributions in his memory may be made to the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice 236 Stetson Rd. Auburn, ME 04210.