Charles William "Chuck" Burns

1938 - 2024

Charles "Chuck" William Burns

May 13, 1938 - October 1, 2024

BLOOMINGTON - Charles "Chuck" William Burns, 86, of Bloomington, went home to be with his savior on October 1, 2024. Chuck was born on May 13, 1938 in Decatur. He was the son of Raymond and Marie Burns and brother to Sally, Sue and George.

Chuck grew up in Decatur and graduated from Lakeview High School. He was active in student government as well as athletics. He was the captain of the basketball team and also played football and baseball for Lakeview. The most memorable thing to happen during his years at Lakeview was meeting and falling in love with Sandra "Sandy" Dennis who would become his wife of 64 years.

Chuck attended Millikin University and was the president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He graduated with a degree in engineering administration.

On June 18, 1960, Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Dennis. They went on to have four children, Brian (Melanee) Burns, Wheaton, Bill (Nancy) Burns, Cary, North Carolina, Brad (Julie) Burns, Normal and Dana Burns of Bloomington.

Charles started his career working for General Motors before returning home to work in the commercial plumbing and heating industry. He started C. W. Burns Co. in Decatur in 1976 and the business is still thriving 48 years later as his son, Brian, and grandson, Daniel, continue the business in the Chicago suburbs.

In the 1990's Chuck and two partners started HGB Properties developing and owning hotels in central Illinois and the Chicago area. Chuck and Sandy owned TCBY yogurt stores in the 1990's as well. Chuck 'retired' in 2017 but always had his infamous 'work list' directing him each day.

Chuck's most important and fun role was grandpa to Emily, Daniel, Katy, Alex, Josh, Maddy, Matthew, Luke, Jessica, Hannah and Connor. He was routinely in the stands cheering for them during their athletics and also teaching them the value of hard work and loving your family. Chuck was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Poppy, Charlotte, Jack, Noah, Asher, Grace and Arjun.

Chuck was a boater most of his life, growing up on a lake and boating with his kids and later grandkids. Some of the best memories with family and friends were made at the Lake of the Ozarks where Chuck and Sandy had a vacation home and boat. The family holds the lake memories very close to their hearts.

Chuck was a huge Illini basketball fan and had season tickets for Illini football and basketball for years. He also loved cheering on his Chicago Cubs and he tolerated the Chicago Bears and their ups and downs.

Chuck had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was member of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Decatur for 31 years and St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington, for the last 23 years.

The family would like to thank the many family members, friends, neighbors and church family for the love and support shown during this time. God's love poured out from you and through you with the many cards, meals, talks, visits and mostly prayers. Chuck was loved by so many, never met a stranger, and always a phone call away for his family.

Time truly has been a precious gift to us as we shared so many wonderful years with him. Now we have peace knowing he will rest eternally in the presence of his heavenly Father.

His funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, at St. Patrick Church of Merna, with Rev. Dustin Schultz officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Interment will immediately follow services at Holy Cross Cemetery, Merna.

The family requests memorials be made to St. Patrick Church of Merna in Bloomington, Ill.

Please refrain from sending flowers to the family homes.