Thomas Robert Burns,
Thomas Robert Burns of Smyrna, Delaware passed peacefully at home on October 8, 2023 surrounded by his devoted family. Tom was born March 8, 1951 in Trenton, New Jersey to William J. and Marie K. Burns, of Trenton, New Jersey. He attended local public schools and graduated from Ewing High School in 1969. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in U.S. History. He earned a Masters degree from Central Michigan University.
Tom most cherished the time he spent with family and his many friends. The coveted Burns Family Beach vacations created many joyous moments. He would roar with laughter while recalling stories we all had forgotten.
Tom enjoyed the countless adventures he experienced with his buddies while searching for historical items from the WWII era. That was his famous pastime, as all who knew Tom would tell you.
We are all proud of Tom's twenty-two years of military service in the United States Air Force. He was a Master Sergeant and served as Aircraft Loadmaster and Superintendent on the C-5 Galaxy and the C-141 Starlifter.
Tom flew missions in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He earned numerous awards, including three battle stars for missions in and around Saudi Arabia.
Master Sergeant Burns continued flying missions in the Middle East supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tom touched down in ninety-six countries during his tour of duty.
After his military service, Tom was a compassionate teacher and mentor as he helped steer students toward the correct path to adulthood.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, William J. Burns; sister and brother-in-law, Rose Marie and Daniel Kaminski.
Tom is survived by his mother, Marie Burns; his wife of 47 years, Delores; daughters, Emily and Mollie (Phil); son, Andrew (Joanna); grandchildren, Caroline Burns and Niko Conte; brother, William (Sally); sister, Kathy (Jeff); and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Amar Alzoubi and staff from Helen F. Graham Cancer Center for their compassionate care during his valiant battle against Leukemia.
A viewing was held on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 6 to 8 PM in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main Street in Smyrna. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 17. 2023 at 11 AM at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, located at 425 N. DuPont Highway in Dover, where friends may visit from 10 AM to 11 AM, before the services start. Burial will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 9, 2023 in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS.org).
Condolences may be sent to www.fariesfuneralhome.com.