John Walter Burns, 85, of Pickaway, WV, passed away Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Born Mar. 26, 1940, in Hollywood, WV, to the late James and Ruby (Nichols) Burns.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years Sherry (Thomas) Burns; one son, Tony Burns; sisters and brother-in-laws, Willie (Harold) Ratliff, Lanelle (James) Vandergrift, Barbara (Charles) Weikle, Betty (Marion) Bradley, Sue (Fred) Davis and Roscoe Wilson.
Survivors include one son, Tommy (Helen) Burns of Pickaway; one daughter, Andi (Justin) Hedrick of Frankford; one daughter-in-law, Donna Burns of Pickaway; grandchildren April, Angela, Amanda, Mandy, Eric, and Sawyer; 10 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lenora Wilson of Pickaway; special nephew, Timmy Wilson of Union. Brother-in-laws, Wayne Thomas, Dan (Dee) Thomas, Barry (Judy) Thomas, Ben (Sharon) Thomas, Timmy (Sherry) Thomas, Billy Thomas; and sister-in-law Teresa Gale. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Johnny worked 32 years for, what most people know as ABB, but was Bendix when he started in 1966 then later became Combustion Engineering. He was a jack of all trades that could fix and build just about anything. He enjoyed hunting deer, squirrels and in his younger years raccoons, mostly for the company and coffee.
In his retirement, enjoyment came from his interest in antique tractors, front porch sitting, woodworking, roasting hot dogs on an open fire, westerns and reading the Watchman. He loved his family dearly and his gentle soul will be missed greatly. He also leaves behind his cherished “girls” Lizzie and Sheba.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Groves-Mann Funeral Home Chapel in Union, WV, with Pastor Vince Deeds officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the funeral home to help with Johnny’s funeral expenses.
Those wishing to send online condolences or would like to sign the online guestbook, please do so by visiting www.grovesmann.com. Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home, Union, WV.
