Earl Ray Burns

Earl R. Burns, age 82, of Mount Vernon, Texas, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020, at his home. 

Earl was born on October 26, 1938 in Red River County, Texas to the late Elmer and Clara Young Burns. Earl is the descendant of the Ripley Family and the Ripley Massacre of 1841 in Franklin County, Texas. Earl served the United States Army and the United States Air Force. After his service, he loved driving the roads in semi-trucks and then went to work for Trailways and was awarded the 1 Million Miles Safety Award with Trailways. He loved living out his retirement on a family farm and considered his cows and all his critters as pets. The neighbors would joke and say that if they died and came back as a cow, they would want to live on Burns Farm.

He married Arlene Mildred Wertz on July 10, 1959 in Tacoma, Washington. After 54 years of marriage, she passed away on December 13, 2014. He loved fishing and being outdoors just watching nature. Those who knew Earl best will remember him for his love for always working hard on his farm and being blessed with the ability to always fix things. He was strong willed and a wonderful provider for his family.

Earl leaves behind a daughter, Denise Burns Ely; a granddaughter, Stephane R. Methe, and husband, Jimmy Methe; great grandchildren, Bella, Jackson, Colbie, Natalee. One brother, Johnny Burns; Sisters, Anne Reynolds, Joyce Medley, Theresa Toland and numerous nieces and nephews. Close family friends, Brandan Warner, Carl "Woody" Woodard, David Alexander.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene M. Burns; his son, Michael R. Burns and sisters, Margie Jackson and Janice Hubbard.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cypress Basin Hospice.

Online condolences can be made at: www.samharveyfuneralhome.com.

Services entrusted to Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home.

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