Louis Franklin Burns
Oak Hill-Louis Franklin Burns, 82, passed away the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.
He demonstrated tremendous strength and courage during his life, but the greatest was with his battle of cancer. He is now at peace among many friends, family and his childhood dog, Duke.
Born Jan. 18, 1933, in Fort Spring, he was the son of the late Clyde Edgar Burns and Lydia Bell Stone Burns. Also preceding him in death were his brothers, Edgar Ray, Kenneth Clyde, James Robert, Clarence Herman and Ralph Jackson; sister, Ruby May; and loving nephews, Jack Wickline and Eddie Beck.
Louis, commonly referred to as Buddy, never had a bad word to say about anyone or anything. He was a member of the Alderson Indians football team from 1950-52. Serving in the Army during the Korean War, he was very proud of his country. He was an avid watcher of westerns, especially John Wayne – might be why his dog was named Duke.
He enjoyed listening to old fashioned Baptist gospel music; so much that his final hour was spent singing to the Lord and praying. But the love and joy of his life was his family. He was happiest when he was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 57 years, Betty Lou Gilbert Burns. Louis “Buddy” also leaves two children, Dale Franklin Burns and wife Kim and Louise Burns Miller; two grandchildren, Jennifer Christine Miller and Chase Franklin Miller all of Oak Hill; sister, Margaret Katherine Burns Wickline, of Lewisburg; several nieces and nephews; and a loving niece, Patsy Beck, of Parma Hts., OH.
A celebration of his life was held at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, where Pastor Delmas Wolfe officiated.
Visitation was held one hour prior to the service.
Loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, Louis, better known as “Buddy, Daddy, and Papaw,” will always remain in the hearts of his family.
Friends and loved ones, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to the Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. Their URL is http://www.hospiceofsouthernwv.org and the phone is 304-250-6040.
Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.
