Robert Edward Burns, the son of Robert L. and Dorothy H. Burns, was born on Oct. 27, 1935, in Utica, New York, and passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. He lived in eight states before moving to LaPorte in 1960 after graduating from Blackburn College and the University of Illinois and completing service in the United States Army.
He is survived by his wife, Jean, of 61 years; his son, Christopher (Cynthia) Burns of Jacksonville, Florida, and their three children, Casey, and twins Chelsea and Celeste; his daughter, Ellen (Drew) Talbott and their three sons Matthew (Melissa), Nicholas (Alexandra), and Adam.
Bob had great love for and took great pride in both his children and grandchildren. His friends and family will remember him as a kind, loving, gracious, positive husband, parent, grandparent, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Judith and brothers-in-law, Jack and Jerry Eisenbarth.
He began teaching in the LaPorte Community School Corporation in the fall of 1960 and enjoyed a forty-year career as a junior and senior high teacher of Social Studies, English and Driver Education. He retired in 2000. For a number of years he coached junior high athletic teams and officiated a variety of athletic events.
Both before and after his retirement he was an enthusiastic volunteer and tutor and played an active role in church and community organizations. He volunteered at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum and at LaPorte Hospital, and served as a mentor at Handley Elementary School. He was a volunteer at the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum and served on the LaPorte County Historical Society Board of Directors, was a member of the LaPorte County Public Library Board for sixteen years, was a board member and officer of the Friends of the Library, and was a member of the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary.
Bob loved listening to music, reading, traveling, rooting for the Cubs (since 1945), gardening, attending grandchildren’s activities, enjoying Chicago and Stratford theater and local cultural activities, and being an active member of the community. Since 1960 he had been a faithful member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in LaPorte, serving as warden and vestryman, usher, and community meal volunteer.
A funeral services will be held Saturday, January 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1000 Michigan Ave. LaPorte. The family will welcome visitors at the church prior to the service from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul’s or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.