Keith Robert Burns

Keith R. Burns, age 94, died June 20, 2024. He was the youngest of three children born to Erma and Will Burns. He graduated from New Plymouth High School at began working for Union Pacific Railroad at age 17. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served 4 years during which time he met and married Barbara in Spokane, WA. They were married 72 years and raised four children: James, Catherine, Susan, Timothy.
After his service time he returned to work for Union Pacific at various locations in southern Idaho and western Oregon. His career progressed from telegrapher to telegrapher-clerk to station agent from which he retired in 1982 and moved to Meridian.
Keith enjoyed sports and even umpired some baseball games in Weiser. He experienced SCUBA diving while in Weiser. He especially liked the competition of league bowling and playing family sports game including basketball, softball, and tennis and helping the children to improve their games. His prowess was helped by being a little bit larger than the children and grandchildren. Even though he broke an ankle playing soccer against a 4-year-old, he liked to participate with grandkids until his baseball swing was so powerful for his body that he could not stop the rotation. He won a few college game wagers (Oreos) with his nephew-in-law.
Keith enjoyed games of cards like cribbage and pinochle. He and Barbara joined the Fr. Dotson St. Jude pinochle group and other groups and regularly played until 2023 when his eyesight issues and moving out of their home changed their lifestyle.
Keith and Barbara traveled to Sun Valley, Jackpot, and in southern California, Arizona, South Dakota, and the great Canyon parks of the Southwest. They and family traveled many summers to Washington state and the couple took driving tours to Minnesota, South Dakota, Louisiana, Branson, and Texas to see extended family and took an Alaskan cruise in 2015.
Keith was a member of the Holy Names Society in Weiser and later joined the Knights of Columbus in one of their moves. He and Barbara helped for a time with parish food pantry ministry. Keith enjoyed being a member of the Knights and their various service projects (fish fries and breakfast) and he especially like serving in the 4th Degree Color Guard. One 4th degree member, Greg was his escort to experience a veteran Honor Flight in Washington DC in the Fall of 2021. He and Barbara enjoyed their NAVRE luncheons and recognition with the Korean community.
Keith enjoyed doing the crossword and jumble puzzles in the newspaper. Keith was curious about many things. He enjoyed meeting people and laughing and teasing with them. He enjoyed the company of family and friends at his 90th Birthday party at their Holy Apostles parish and at their 70th Wedding Anniversary party at Maple Grove Grange.
Accent Funeral Home