Bruce R. Burns

Bruce Burns, age 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2, 2026, at his residence.

He was born December 3, 1946 in Goshen, Indiana to W. Harvey and Mildred Burns. He was the fifth son, with two younger sisters. He went to Perry Grade School and then Ligonier High School, graduating in 1965. He began raising pigs in high school and loved farming. Although accepted into Purdue University, he chose to skip college, begin farming and marry the love of his life, Connie Chiddister in January of 1966 at the Richville Church. Bruce served in the United States Army National Guard from 1965-1971, and even attempted parachute jump school.

Bruce and Connie lived near Ligonier for the first few years of marriage and during that time Bruce worked for Tobias Yoder, learning much about farming and finance. Daughter Renea was born in 1967. In 1971 Bruce and Connie purchased the Aldrich farm near Brushy Prairie, east of Lagrange, and daughter Jennifer was born in 1971. Bruce worked at Machine Rite for a number of years before full time farming in the late 70's. With the help of Connie and his two girls, he expanded the farm by purchasing the Harris farm, the Immel farm, the Shipe farm, Smith farm, Huff farm, and part of the Cline farm. He also rented additional acreage, farming up to 1000 acres for many years. During this time Burns Farm also produced up to 1000 pigs a year, with a herd of 80 sows. With no hired man, Bruce taught his daughters to drive tractor and skid loader, run implements, move hogs, and get tools while he fixed equipment. There were always chores to do and things to fix.

While raising a family and farming, Bruce served on the Prairie Heights School Board for 8 years, 1984-1992. He also served on the Lagrange County Library Board for a number of years, supporting his wife's hobby of reading. Bruce even ran for middle district Lagrange County Commissioner, and always had an interest in local and national politics.

Bruce loved the Lord and his faith played a big part in his life. Bruce and Connie attended Richville Church, Mongo United Methodist (28 years), and most recently the Lagrange Church of God (24 years). Bruce held leadership positions and enjoyed discussing his faith with anyone that was open to it. He went on work missions to Honduras twice, and to South Africa twice, the second time taking Connie. He also worked in Nashville, TN with Samaritan's Purse when the city was flooded.

As far as hobbies or pastimes, Bruce only knew farming, faith, and family. As he aged he became active in local tractor associations and amassed quite a collection of antique tractors, owning up to 50+ at one point. Bruce gave each grandchild an antique tractor, and often the grandchild helped in the restoration. In 2020, he had an online auction and sold most of the collection, holding on to a few with sentimental value. Bruce even purchased another Allis Chalmers in January of this year, thinking he could get it running this spring with the help of his grandsons. Bruce enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was especially close to his son in laws, grandsons and grandson in laws, calling them to check in or stopping by to offer advice frequently.

Bruce listed his mentors as his wife and daughters, who often taught him lessons by just standing their ground. He also listed Steve Roe, Tobias Yoder, Dick Immel, and Reverend Carldean Merrifield. He completed the list with "too many friends to mention all".

Bruce is survived by his loving family, Wife Connie, Daughters Renea (Todd) Boots, Jennifer (David) Perkins, Granddaughter Allyson (Coy) Lepley, Grandson Jacob (Taryn) Perkins, Grandson Joseph (Katy) Boots, Granddaughter Betsy (Tom) Beiswanger, and Granddaughter Hannah (Dalton) Cervas. He also leaves behind great grandchildren Joline Lepley, Dorthy Lepley, Case Perkins, Kenneth Beiswanger, Laney Boots, and Moline Perkins. His sisters also survive, Elaine (Jim) Bowers, and Wilma (John) Doyle, both of Ohio. Many nieces and nephews survive and talk of visits to the farm and of Uncle Bruce.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charles, Winton, Jim, and David. He was also preceded by his in laws, Leland and Betty Chiddister, Connie's sister Marilyn (and Larry) Essley, and brother in law Ronald Chiddister.

Funeral services will take on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 10:00 am at First Church of God, 777 N. Detroit St., LaGrange, IN. Pastors Rich Laskowski and Cassy Zuver will officiate the service.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange, IN.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 2-8 pm at the church.

Pall Bearers will be son in laws Todd Boots and David Perkins, grandsons Jake Perkins and Joe Boots, and grandsons in law Coy Lepley, Tom Beiswanger and Dalton Cervas.

The family asks that any memorials be given to the First Church of God.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.fruripmayfuneralhome.com.