Robert Thomas Burns, 74, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2019. He was born on December 23, 1944 in Evansville, Indiana to the late Rex and Arlene Burns. The majority of his life, he was raised by his loving step-father, Robert O. Glenn, and he was preceded in death by his first wife, Glenda J. (McCoy) Burns.
Blessed are we who had the fortune of knowing such a wonderful man who touched so many lives with his wisdom, humility, humor, kindness and warmth. He was truly loved by so many; what a rich man he was, who bestowed his love to all who knew him. Robert was above all, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Robert was affectionately known by many names, “Bob,†“Bobby,†“Pops,†“Grandad,†“Papaw,†and “Papaw Bobby.â€
Bobby graduated from North High School in 1963 and was an ardent member of the ’63 North reunion group. He went on to Graceland University and graduated as a watchmaker from Purdue University. He was the preeminent watchmaker in Evansville for over 50 years, being the watchmaker that even the local jewelry stores went to when they needed watches repaired. He worked for Deter’s Jewelers, Elsfelder’s, Gem Craft and from home for the last 10 years.
Robert was a firm believer in the Lord. He was a priest and devout member of the Community of Christ Church his whole life. He was a prominent and respected figure in the National Modena Pigeon Club of Evansville and was known as a national breeder. Robert was an avid sports fan, especially of the Colts, Redskins and Purdue Boilermakers. He was a huge fan of westerns, war films and Louis L’Amour books. Robert loved horses and frequently drew them for his family with delight.
He is survived by his soulmate of 44 years, Mary Willis Burns; son, David Burns (Sue); son, Don Burns (Hiromi); son, Darrin Burns (Kristen); daughter, Monica Willis (Angela); son, Tim Willis (Becky); son, Jim Willis; grandchildren, Ben, Christie, Shoel, Lyon, Emma, Aiden, Abigale, Kaitlyn and Trevor; great-grandchildren, Jonathen, Jocelyn, Journey, David, Rebekah, Freya, Hope and Mya; brother, Rex Burns II (Janice); and nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 30, 2019, 12:00 p.m. at Alexander East Chapel with Elder Donald Shanks officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may visit Thursday 5:00-8:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. until service time on Friday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Glenwood Hills Campground, 1005 Hercules Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47711 or the American Heart Association.
