Edwin J. Butch Burns

Edwin J. Butch Burns, 92, of Monticello died early Monday, July 18, 2011 from complications of cancer at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center, Delphi. He was born September 20, 1918, in Otterbein to the late Lawrence and Julia (Malady) Burns. His marriage was to Helen Feldhaus at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Rensselaer on November 24, 1956 and she survives. He was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Newman Council, and the American Legion. He was associated with the building materials industry for many years and retired from Dye Lumber Co. in 1987. During WWII, he served in the Pacific theater as an Air Force B-25 crew chief for the 499th "Bats Outta Hell" Bombardment Squadron . His squadron flight-escorted the defeated Japanese emissaries to the island of Ie-Shima prior to their signing of surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri. Butch was an avid golfer and one of his fondest memories was having a hole in one while a member of Tippecanoe Country Club. He was also a former member of Pine View Golf Course. He was a Christian gentleman who thoroughly enjoyed yard-work, gardening,construction, family get-togethers and a good laugh. He always looked toward the future. Also surviving are sons Tim (Stephanie) Burns, and David Burns both of Los Angeles, CA; a daughter Mary Horn, of Monticello; sisters Rosella Le Beau, of Wolcott, Ellen (Kenneth) Brown, of Wolcott, and Roberta Kluth, of Ellenton, FL; granddaughters Shelby Horn and Katie (Patrick) Mellon; great-grandson Oakley Mellon; and special friend of the family Randy Minier, all of Monticello. He was preceded in death by brothers Arthur Burns, Bernard Burns and Frances Red Burns; sisters Veronica Con Faker, Clarice Burns and Josephine Burns; and son-in-law Clay Horn. Rosary will be at 4:00 pm followed by visitation from 4:15 pm " 8 pm, Friday, July 22, at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 am, Saturday, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church with Father Gerald Borawski and Father James Goodrum officiating. Burial with full military rites will follow at Riverview I.O.O.F Cemetery, rural Monticello. Memorials may be made to: Gibault School for Boys (www.gibault.org) and/or the White County Food Pantry. Envelopes will be available. You may sign the online guestbook at www.sprignerfuneralhome.com