Frederick W. Burns, 76, of Philipsburg died Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 at his residence.
Born Dec. 12, 1941, he was the son of the late Joseph and Daisy (Arnold) Burns.
He was a 1960 graduate of the Philipsburg-Osceola High School. He then graduated from Allegheny Technical Institute in Pittsburgh with an electronics technician degree and from Penn State University with a degree in vocational education.
He was employed by Penn State University as a Supervisor in presentation services for 27 years until his retirement May 1, 1988. He remained an avid Nittany Lion and Steeler football fan throughout his life and never missed their games.
He served in both the U.S. Army National Guard and Air National Guard for 26.5, retiring as a technical sergeant in the Air National Guard.
He was a member of the Free Methodist Church and previously a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He enjoyed music and had a group from Trinity youth who sang in different churches.
He is survived by his wife, Roberta (Matson) Burns; two children, Dana Myers and her husband, David of Grassflat and Gregory Burns and his wife, Robin of Philipsburg; two step-children, Robin Kephart and her partner, Ted Kephart and Bobbi Jo Lesko and her husband, Joe, all of Philipsburg; along with eight grandchildren, Rachel Myers, Kyle Myers, Megan Burns, Jessica Burns, Caitlin Burns, Julia Burns, Frederick Burns III and his wife, Ryenne, Kacie (Burns) Miller and her husband, Torin; four step-grandchildren, Chelsea Kephart and her partner, Storm Bumbarger, Ty Kephart, Jacob Lesko and Joshua Lesko; and one great-step-grandchild, Harper Bumbarger.
He is survived by his brother, Joseph Burns II and his wife, Audrey of Morrisdale. Also surviving are the following nieces and nephews, Judy Schnur, John Schnur and his partner, Billie, Sharon Bloom, Joseph Burns Jr. and his wife, Megan and great-nieces and nephews, Macy Bloom, Cody Bloom and Ella Mae Burns.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Frederick W. Burns II in October of 2010; his sister, Patty Schnur and her husband, Jack Schnur and their son, Jeff Schnur.
As an avid hunter, he enjoyed hunting with his sons, brother and father. He was a lifetime member of the Sandy Ridge Sportsmen’s Club where he was a member of the trap team. He was also a member of the Gearhartville Sportsman’s Club.
He loved God, his family and country and was proud to serve his community in several offices during his lifetime.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at the Beezer Heath Funeral Home, 719 E. Spruce St., Philipsburg, with Pastor Merry Kendall officiating.
Friends will be received from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 and from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at the funeral home.
Military honors will be accorded by the Philipsburg American Legion Honor Guard. Burial will be in the Philipsburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the Building Fund of gFree Methodist Church, 344 Blue Spruce Rd., Philipsburg, PA 16866 or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd., SW, Lilburn, GA 30047.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheath.com.