Michael Ernest Burns Sr., 69, De Soto

Michael Ernest Burns Sr., 69, of De Soto died July 11, 2022, in Festus. Mr. Burns served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1972, serving in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne. He retired after working as a welder for Continental Fabricators. He was a member of VFW Post 1831 in De Soto and the Highway Rockers (car club). He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking and most of all, spending time with his family. Born Sept. 14, 1952, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Wilma Joy Blue and Lexie B. Burns.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years: Janet Burns of De Soto; his mother-in-law Arlene Rayl; a son: Michael (Danyel) Burns Jr. of De Soto; a daughter: Sheila Graves of De Soto; a sister: Judy (Jim) Brake of Antonia; six grandchildren: Tara (Joe Gilbreth) Graves of Columbia, Ill., and Danny Graves, Cheyenne Burns, Bethanie (Drayton) Jones-Castillo, Lilian and Wednesday, all of De Soto; and a great-grandchild: Vivienne of De Soto.

He was preceded in death by two sisters: Sandy Swain and Bonnie Ferguson; and his father-in-law: the Rev. Granville Rayl.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Mahn Funeral Home, 900 Main St., in De Soto. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Carl McKalip. Burial will be in Peaceful Ridge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 1831. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.