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Robert Burns Obituary
He is survived by his wife Marsha of Chatham; three children, James Robert (Renate) Burns of San Antonio, TX, Diandra Marie (Jeremiah) Werner of Champaign and Coryn Elizabeth Burns of Chatham; grandson, Jaxson Avery Werner of Champaign; granddaughter, Enalese G. Burns of San Antonio, TX and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marcus Anthony Henderson; three brothers, Harry, William and Gerald and one sister, Betty Jean.
Robert was a 1972 graduate from Springfield Southeast High School and received a bachelor's degree in Communications and Journalism in 1977 from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He had a lengthy career as a sportswriter for The State-Journal Register. He was one of the voices behind WFMB-AM's ""Sportswriters on the Radio"", the head of public relations for the Peoria Suns Baseball Club, news and sports anchor for WMBD AM-TV, and his later years were spent as a bookseller at Barnes & Noble. Robert will be remembered as a source of light for all that came across his path.
Visitation: 4 – 7 pm Friday, June 18, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Service: 3:00 pm, Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Pastor Cindy Lash officiating. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery at 11:00 am Monday, June 21, 2021 at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
CDC Protocol shall be followed.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Burns
Sponsored by Staab Funeral Home - Springfield.
Diane Rutledge
June 22, 2021
I was so sorry to learn of Robert's passing. He was such a great guy! I enjoyed knowing him as a sport's writer, dad, and strong supporter of SSHS! He always had a smile, was interested in others, and made everyone feel better for having interacted with him. -- My sympathies to his family.
Glenn Savage
June 21, 2021
Had the honor to coach "Burnsy" in Connie Mack League with my dad, "Doc" Savage. He was an excellent athlete and you're right Tony Bivens he was fast!! Sometimes I would give the steal sign and the opposing team knew he was going, but they couldn't throw him out. I'm sure Doc and Burnsey are sharing baseball stories in God's Field of Dreams. Internal life and I'll see one day. Glenn Savage
Paula Lantz
June 20, 2021
RIP ROBERTI loved to
Read your coverage of High School Sports / especially for SH-G Football - glad you were along for that ride we had with the 2008 Team - Paula Lantz
Jackie Price, former Reporter
June 18, 2021
Burns was a consummate pro and very talented. I worked with him at the SJ-R for a limited time but he treated me like a little Sister and was supportive considering the newsroom was only lightly peppered with people of Color. Spfld was blessed to have him. Rest in Heaven Burnsy.
Ann Wilson
June 18, 2021
Rest in peace. No more pain or suffering
Tony Bivens
June 15, 2021
Played baseball with Bobbie in Connie Mack league here in Springfield back in 72’ & 73’. Saw him steal second standing up once, he was fast. We had talked several times after that, especially when he covered local girl sports with my 4 daughters. Always a friend. Will miss him. He had a good heart
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Memorial Events
for Robert Burns
Jun
18
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Staab Funeral Home - Springfield1109 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62703
Jun
19
Funeral service
3:00 p.m.
Staab Funeral Home - Springfield1109 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62703
Funeral services provided by:
Staab Funeral Home - Springfield1109 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62703
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