Mr. Joseph Burns, Sr.

Joseph Burns Sr. was born March 7, 1929, in Tillar, Arkansas to the union of Sam and Blanche Burns. He meet his wife of 56 years in Ruston, Louisiana and relocated to Kansas City, in search of a better way to provide for his family. Both of his parents, his wife: Glorious L.( Williams) Burns, son: Archie L., brothers: David, Sammie, Robert and Artha sisters: Frances, Susie ,Juanita and Magnolia, all preceded him in death. He was honorable and respectfully known as Mr. Joe, and Mr. Burns to most outside his family. Joseph Sr. was a dedicated member of Mariah Walker AME Church under the current leadership of Rev. Donald Morrison. He loved his church family and was an instrumental part of the usher and trustee boards. He was part of the generation that believed “IT TAKES A VILLIAGE” Joseph was reared in a God-fearing family, while life choices where not always made credible, He acknowledged his actions and total accountability as well as responsibility, therefore by demonstrating to his children how to move forward in a life with integrity. Never did he not mind giving you pep talks on how to live respectably and honorably. Without a formal high school education Joseph taught himself how to be a hard worker, family provider and independent person. He held managerial positions at Land Sharp Chevrolet, Pappas Chevrolet, where in 1960’s he endured discrimination firsthand. At times he held down more than one job to help provide. He later retired from Mode O Day Wearhouse. Joseph Burns Sr. has impacted so many lives. His compassion for the community was beyond amazing, the type of person he was selfless and humble. He loved people and people loved him. Mr. Burns was the Patriarch of the Burns Family (simply put, he was the glue that held the family together) loving his family, friends, so many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He has left us all with a lifetime of memories of good deeds. On October 28, 2023, Mr. Joe who had an intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior, put down his cane pick up his sword and stuck it in the sand of time and never looked back. He leaves to cherish his memory: Six daughters: Nella (Darryl Sr.), JoAnne (Moses Sr.) Vaun, Chree, Chandra, and Candy. Eight sons: Joseph Jr. (Jackie), Larry Sr., Marcus Sr., Dennis, Vernell Sr., Jeffery, Cedric Sr., and Carl, two sisters: Anna Drew and Christell James, Thirty-five grandchildren, Sixty great-grandchildren, Seventeen great- great grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. A special friend and caretaker Valerie Baker. Funeral services Friday, November 10, at 12:00pm at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation 11:00am-12:00pm at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolence may be shared on our website.

Mr. Joseph Burns, Sr.

March 7, 1929 - October 28, 2023