Lemuel D. Burns Jr.

NEWPORT NEWS - CW3 Lemuel D. Burns Jr., 75, passed away on Jan. 29, 2009, after a lengthy fight with emphysema.
Mr. Burns was a warrant officer with the U.S. Army, where he flew helicopters. He served in both Korea, for two tours, and Vietnam, for several tours. During his service, he received many commendations, such as the Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. After retiring from the Army, he worked with Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, in 042, for 14 years. Upon retirement from Newport News Shipbuilding, Mr. Burns worked for eight years with JC Penney Inc., in the maintenance department.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Burns.
Mr. Burns leaves behind to cherish his memories, three sons, Daniel Burns of Smithfield, Barry Burns and wife, Patricia of Surry County, and Robert 'Bob' Burns and wife, Susanne of Newport News; daughter, Erin Burns-Bradshaw and husband, David; two grandsons, Kelly Burns, age 12, and Joseph Bradshaw, age 16; three granddaughters, Christina Burns, age 27 of Williamsburg, Patricia-Ann Burns, age 10, and Holly Burns, age 7.
Mr. Burns lived a full life and was always willing to stand up for others. He was a kind and gentle person, whose generosity knew no boundaries. He will be dearly missed by many family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in his honor to Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Headquarters, 406 West 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 or info@vfw.org.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, at Peninsula Funeral Home.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.