Gary R. Burns, age 59, of Kansas, IL passed away at 9:35 a.m., Monday, August 10, 2015 at his home.

Following cremation calling hours will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2015 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 705 Clinton Rd, Paris. A memorial talk will be at 3 p.m. following calling hours. Memorials may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Gary was born October 1, 1955 in Paris the son of the late Richard Ellis and Zelma Steward Burns of Metcalf.

He married Linda Gilmore Burns, July 19, 1973 in Tuscola.

Gary is survived by his wife Linda of 42 years; his daughters: Audrey (Spencer) Russell of Paris, Rebecca (Jared) Lamb of Mattoon; his grandson Revan Lamb of Mattoon; his siblings Carl (Sandy) Burns of Metcalf, Sandy (Rick) Anderson of Metcalf, Brenda (Richard) Bright of Paris, Anna Embry of Filson, Jerry (Dawn) Burns of Bush, LA; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was an extraordinarily hard worker and skilled welder who worked at Trailmobile in Charleston for 26 years and then at GSI in Paris for 13 years. He was a skilled beekeeper, a talented fisherman, and a lover of God's creation. He enjoyed caring for his fruit trees and his pets, especially his loyal canine friend, Buddy. He enjoyed friendships with many, especially with his close friend Doug Richey. Gary was also a supportive member of the Paris congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and he enjoyed talking to others about his faith and his hope for the future.

For more information and online condolences please go to www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com