Ralph Burns

Ralph Burns
Ralph Burns, 76, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia, MO, on Friday, June 19, 2009. Ralph had been a patient there for a short time.
Ralph Lee Burns was born October 27, 1932 in Putnam County, MO, the son of Clarence Edward (Ed) and Edna (Dixon) Burns who preceded him in death. Ralph joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952 and served on active duty until 1955. He then was in the Reserves until 1960. Ralph fought in the Korean War. On December 30, 1954 he married Margariet Casey in the state of California and she preceded him in death on July 29, 1998.
After the service Ralph and Margariet moved to Peoria, IL, where he worked at Caterpillar for a total of 13 years. They then settled back in Unionville where Ralph worked for Butler Construction. Eventually Ralph opened his own general construction business where he specialized in basement and foundation work.
Ralph enjoyed motorcycles in his younger years and he also liked to repair cars. He liked to hunt for bargains at auctions and was know as a good trader. Ralph’s interest in his later years included his fondness for his Simmental cattle.
Ralph Burns is survived by his children, Jo Ann Carter and her companion Matt King of Unionville, MO; Ralph (Eddie) Burns and his wife Thracie Lea of Livonia, MO; Rocky Burns and his companion Shirley Verskrna of Unionville, MO; and Carl Burns of Unionville, MO. Ralph’s grandchildren are Seth Carter, Adrian Carter, Rita Lea, Ashton King, Haley Burns, Brandon Burns, Megan Mendenhall, Jerry Hilderman, Derek Isbell, Casey Isbell, and Christian Isbell. Seven great-grandchildren also survive as well as a sister, Joyce Cullum of Unionville, MO.
Ralph was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Burns and a brother-in-law, Bob Cullum.
Funeral services for Ralph Burns will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Unionville Cemetery.
Memorials for Ralph Burns may be made to the family and entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO, 63565.