Curtis Burns

1950 - 2020

Curtis Burns obituary, 1950-2020, Lawrence, KS

BORN

1950

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th

Lawrence, Kansas

Curtis Burns Obituary

Services for Curtis J. Burns, 70, Lawrence, will be held at a later date. Curtis was born in Garden City, Kansas, on May 27, 1950 to Byron James (Jim) and Ruth Louise (Kirchoff) Burns, both deceased. Curtis succumbed to prostate cancer after an almost 18-year battle.

He attended Garden City schools and graduated from Garden City High School in 1968, and graduated from Garden City Community College in 1972. Curtis enjoyed playing baseball from Little League through America Legion. He played basketball in high school and was a member of the starting 5 from the last semester of 1967, through his senior year of 1968. He was most proud of playing a basketball game in the state tournament in his junior year in Allen Fieldhouse.

He worked for his dad at his father's Kerr-McGee service station from the time he was 15 until he graduated from Garden City Junior College in 1972.

Curtis and his wife, Joyce moved to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1972, where he attended the University of Kansas. In 1974, he bought a retail liquor store which became Burns Retail Liquor and owned it until 1981. Curtis sold cars for Bob Hopkins Volkswagen-Subaru starting in 1982. In 1988, Curtis went to work for Jim Clark Motors in the sales department and worked there for 20 years until he retired in 2008.

He then became a driver for Jim Clark's and Briggs Motors until fully retiring in 2016. Curtis is survived by his wife, Joyce of 51 years and a big yellow cat named Bobby, his mother-in-law, Doris Thompson, sisters-in-law, Carol Supancic (Tom) and Tracy Lingenfelser (John) of Lawrence, Kansas, Michelle Myers (Eric) of Columbus, Ohio, and Lisa Thompson of Houston, Texas, and nieces and nephews, Jennifer Sanderson (Joe), Katie Gustke (Greg), Audrey Gedera (Mike), Matthew Thompson (Hoany), Timber Supancic, Cassady Clinkscale, Kennedy Clinkscale, Erin Myers, Jason Myers; great-nephews, Koby Sanderson, Jordan Petry; great-nieces, Ave Thompson and Emmy Thompson; and cousins.

Curtis enjoyed KU sports (having season tickets to football and basketball for 48 years), his fabulous tailgate friends, baseball and especially the Royals and Chiefs. As one of his friends noted – "His smile, wit, eyes and hair are beyond compare." Good friend and brother-in-law, Eric, enjoyed his "razor-sharp wit." Curtis also had a fairly vast knowledge of sports trivia especially when it came to baseball. He loved movies and he and another great friend had a standing date every Thursday afternoon when they would watch a "noir" movie that Curtis had recorded. It can definitely be said that Curtis's vast array of friends will never forget him as he was a very unique person and a true friend.

Memorials may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society or The Visiting Nurses Association and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. Curtis would also like to thank the LMH Oncology Department for such good care during his many years of treatment.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 1, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Burns

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Curtis was wonderful in every way... We traveled with Curtis & Joyce,& fell love with them right off. He was such a class act; so handsome and fun. We loved our time with Curtis and will miss him always. Becky & Ray

Becky Ross

Friend

September 16, 2020

Although Curtis and I worked briefly together, he became a friend whom I could always receive a wonderful smile, hug and a funny story. He was one of a kind. We need more Curtis' in this world. God speed my friend. You will certainly be missed.

Kristi Kouloukis

Friend

September 9, 2020

Curt you were always a good friend, We worked together at Jim Clarks for 10 years, go with god and rest in peace.

Roger Fay Daugherty

Coworker

September 9, 2020

Joyce, we are so sorry for the loss of Curtis. He fought a long hard battle,and he did it with a great attitude . May he rest easy now.

Mary J Higgins

Friend

September 1, 2020

Coolest guy I ever met. Best uncle too. Love you man. Love you too Joyce.

Matt Thompson

Family

September 1, 2020

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Curtis Burns's name

Memorial Events
for Curtis Burns

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

How to support Curtis's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Curtis Burns's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more