Joseph Thomas Burns

Joseph Thomas Burns, loving husband and father of three children departed this world On August 3, 2021 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Joe was born in Waterloo, Iowa on April 11, 1944 to Tommy and Betty Burns. Soon after they would move to McCook, Nebraska to raise Joe and his 3 siblings. He attended McCook High School where he was on both the track & field team as well as being a member of the undefeated 1960 McCook Bison football team that was later inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame. Joe graduated in 1962 and joined the United States Navy in 1963.

Joe was married young in 1965-69 to Mary Nutt and they were blessed with one child, Johnny. On December 30, 1970, Joe married Linda Selfridge and they raised three children; April, Robin, and Tom in Norfolk, VA. Joe retired from the Navy in 1987 AZC Chief Petty Officer after a 24 year career and began his civilian life as a District manager for the Virginian Pilot newspaper. In 1991 Joe returned to his roots in McCook, Nebraska.

From 1991 to 1993 Joe worked for the McCook YMCA. In 1993 Joe met Loretta MInard and together they worked for the Omaha World Herald as the southwest Nebraska area manager until 2001. They wed on November 3, 2008 and spent their retirement providing affordable housing in the McCook area.

Joe was an avid Huskers fan and enjoyed attending football games at Memorial Stadium. He was an animal lover that greatly enjoyed the company of his dogs Ozzie and Zoey. Joe found his happy place in his boat, at the lake or anywhere a fishing pole was involved.

Joseph Thomas Burns was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice (Betty) Burns and his father Tommy Burns.

He is survived by his wife Loretta. His three children, April Burns-Archer and husband Jerry of Greeneville Tennessee, Tom Burns and wife Regina Burns of McCook, and Robin Burns of Greeneville Tennessee. Three step children, Rusty and wife Penny Minard of Bartley Nebraska, Shelly Sundell and husband Rick Sundell of Benkleman, Nebraska, David Minard and special friend Lena Reynolds of Indianola, Nebraska. He is also survived by his three siblings, Pat Burns and special friend Vera Hansen, Cheryl Hamrick and husband Joe, Bob Burns and wife Geri Burns, all of McCook Nebraska. With a host of 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews he was surrounded by love and family who will miss him.

Visitation, with family present to greet friends, will be held from 5 to7PM on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Recitation of the Rosary will follow visitation, beginning at 7PM on Sunday, August 8, 2021 also at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2PM on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Private family burial to be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the McCook Humane Society, PO Box 13, McCook, NE 69001.