Thomas Burns

Thomas F. Burns, age 88, died Sunday May 6, 2007 at McCook Community Hospital.

He was born January 25, 1919 to Thomas A. and Margaret (Free) Burns at Cheyenne, WY. He graduated from Holy Family High School in 1935 and Regis College in Denver, where he received all conference recognition in football.

He married Beatrice "Betty" Jean McMullen in Denver on November 6, 1941.

He was in the U.S. Army Air Corp as an Instructor Pilot for four years, and an engineer on Burlington Northern for 42 years. He enjoyed playing racquetball; he was a fan of all Bison sports, the Denver Broncos, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He coached Saint Vincent DePaul football and St Patrick's basketball. He enjoyed his kids and grandkids in all their activities.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Elks Club, Burlington Northern Past Time as President, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Eagles Club, and was named Eagles Father of the Year in 1983.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 63 years, Betty on January 13, 2005; one granddaughter, Brenda Hamrick; eight brothers and sisters, Gerald, Francis, Bonnie, John Francis, Ruth, Helen, Robert, and Barbara Jean.

He is survived by his sons, Joseph Burns and special friend, Loretta Minard, Patrick Burns, Robert Burns and wife, Geri; daughter, Cheryl Hamrick and husband, Joseph all of McCook; brother, Joe Burns and wife, Joanie; sister, Rosemary Chisholm and husband, John all of Denver; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Rosary was on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with Father Gary Brethour as Celebrant.

Burial was in the Calvary Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.