Ralph Byron Burns

BURNS Ralph Byron Burns, age 91, of Lancaster, passed away Saturday evening, April 14, 2008, at the Fairhope Hospice. He was a graduate of Belmont High School and The Akron University College of engineering. He was a mechanical engineer registered as a professional engineer in both OH and WV and worked for the Shelly and Sands Co. for 23 years, where he was Vice President and general manager of Muskingum River Gravel. He then worked for the McLean Co. for ten years. He was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church, a 32nd degree Master Mason for 50 years, a member of the Scottish Rite, Masonic Lodge Amity No. 5 F&AM of Zanesville and past member of Bethesda OH Masonic Lodge, a member of the American Legion, an active member of the Boy Scouts of America in Zanesville; a member of the Toastmasters International, an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Zanesville for 36 years, where he also served on the board of trustees; a member of the Zanesville Country Club and past president of the Ohio Sand and Gravel Association. In WWII, Mr. Burns served as a technical sergeant with the Battery "B" 13th Coastal Artillery Battalion. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Gwendolyn Liddle Burns; son, Jeffery (Margaret nee Naughtin) Burns of Spalding, Nebraska; daughter, Dinah J. (Richard J. Elston) Burns of Lancaster; grandchildren, Jana Burns, Caryn Reynolds, Katherine Thompson, Margaret Ehlen; great-grandchildren, Austin, Back, James Douglas Thompson, Gwendolyn Grace Thompson, John Byron Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. Ralph Byron Burns, was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Mayme Burns, brothers Clinton and Marshall Burns, sister Mary Davenport and his grandson Michael Burns. A memorial service will take place at the 1st United Methodist Church, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19th, 2008, conducted by Rev. Larry Brown. Caring Cremation by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, has taken place. Memorials can be made to the Genesis Morrison House in memory of his grandson, Michael Burns at 713 Forest Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701 or in Ralph Byron Burn's name to the Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, OH 43130. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries