Charles "Chuck" Benjamin Burns, Jr.

BURNS, Charles B., Jr. “Chuck” (age 84) Charles Benjamin Burns Jr. (USAF Retired Major) was born in Peoria, IL in August 1931. He flew home on June 29th, 2016. He grew up on the Illinois River hunting and fishing, which he continued to do most of his life. He graduated from Bradley University and then became an officer in the USAF. He then married the love of his life, Patrician Ann Lewis in 1954. They lived in many cities and SAC Bases where they made life long friends across the US. Major Burns proudly served in several commands of the AF with over 20 years flying around the world including two tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon his retirement from the AF, he developed his passion in real estate where he became a trusted advisor to many as a successful Real Estate Agent in Spokane, WA. Chuck was a proud Mason and Past Master at the North Hill Lodge #210 in Spokane, member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, and El Katif Shriners . He enjoyed giving tours as a Greeter for the Shriners Children’s Hospital for many years. As a father, he was a dedicated role model for his 2 Eagle Scout sons (he was Scout Master for Troop 201 in Spokane and several others in previous locations), for his daughter, and many others. He was also known for his sense of humor and distinctive laugh. Chuck was a caring and giving man. He loved his family, especially his 4 grandson’s more than he could tell you- and he would tell you all about them! Most of his conversations led to his family, the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, and mixing in the military ones were added bonuses. Charles was preceded in death by his son Brian Edward Burns, 12/20/2014. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia Ann Burns (Spokane), son Charles B. Burns III (Seattle), daughter Barbara Burns-Cruz (Spokane), grandsons Benjamin Maxwell Burns and Bryce Edward Burns (Edmonds, WA), Nicholas Edward Cruz and Michael Andrew Cruz (Spokane, WA), and his sister Marsha Jill Zeren (Springs,Texas). In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice. Funeral services will be held Thursday July 7 at Audubon Park United Methodist Church at 11:30. Followed by a social gathering where pie will be served up with stories to share. Grave side Military Service at his resting place, Holy Cross Cemetery will be at 2pm. Please join us.