Tom Burns

Tom Burns, 87, of Hot Springs passed away Saturday December 27, 2014. He was born in the small town of Imperial, Pennsylvania to Paul Burns and Hannah Smiley Burns on July 29, 1927. He was predeceased by one sister, Maude Burns; one brother, Robert Burns and his 1st wife, Mildred. Tom graduated from high school and started Penn State; this was interrupted by World War II where he served 2 ½ years with the 5th Army. His one regret was that the war was over before he could go overseas. After the war he went to school at the University of Georgia & the University of Colorado in industrial engineering. Then moved to St. Louis and worked for the Martin Company. He spent some time at Lambert Field in St. Louis on the F101 & F101A then moved to Denver; traveled as chief industrial engineer on missile silos throughout the United States. When he retired after 21 years he wrote several books one of which was published this year, “The Young Scots”. The second book is being edited and is called “Patriot Pawn”. After settling in Arkansas he campaigned for President Clinton and was a lifelong Democrat. He also worked 7 years for Oaklawn guarding the front doors of the casino. He loved the people there and the horses but was not a big better. He was a 50+ year member of the Elks Lodge #380 and very active in their Veteran’s program as well as designing the memorial to Veterans. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW Post #2278. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Jackson Blocker Burns; two older brothers, Paul Burns and C.B. Burns in Pennsylvania; two sons, Jeff Burns and Christian Burns; three daughters, Lydia Schneider, Rebecca Tufano and Brenda Uban; one stepson, Richard Blocker and stepdaughter, Penny Selvidge. He is to be cremated and a memorial service will be 10:00 AM Saturday January 3, 2015 at Gardner United Methodist Church, 413 Hammond Drive with Brother Bruce Howard officiating with Reverend Gerald Michau and Pastor Mark Williams attending. Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Johnson, Bill Grissom, J.B. Evans, the staff of Hospice Home Care, Governor Beebe, Dr. Del Gecco of the VA and Richard Blocker.

Tom Burns

July 29, 1927 - December 27, 2014