Mike Burns

October 14, 1936 - November 12, 2019

Mike Burns, 83, of the Western community in Walkerville, AR passed away, Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at his residence. Mike was born October 14, 1936 in Springhill, LA and was raised all over the country as a preacher’s son. In high school he found his love for trucks. He drove big trucks locally and “over the road” for many years. His greatest love was his wife of 61 years, Teresa, to whom he was always quick to say, “I’ll love you till the day I die!” and he never said goodbye without a kiss! Together they had four daughters and he spent his life working to provide the best life he possibly could for his family. He loved spending time with them going to country and gospel shows, taking them out to eat on the weekends, and never failing to take them to church on Sundays. He was a faithful member of the Western Baptist Church. He was known as Papa to his grandchildren and to them, he was Santa Claus, John Wayne, and Superman all rolled into one! After retiring from driving big trucks to spend more time with his family, he began Burns Dozer Service and spent many years working for International Paper Co., Deltic Timber, and for many local people clearing land and building ponds. He loved being outdoors, being a member of the Rusty Relics Tractor Club and riding in parades with his brothers showing off their favorite tractors. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Clifton and Elma Lois (Malone) Burns; paternal grandparents, James Franklin and Lucy Burns; and maternal grandparents, W.C. and Gertrude Malone. He is survived by his wife Teresa G. Burns of the Western community; daughters Mechele Doss and husband Brian of Bismarck, Melissa Johnson and husband Freddie of Emmet, Melaine Burns Cummings of Emerson, and Monica Dees and husband Randy of Magnolia; sister Lynell Smith and husband Duane of Shongaloo, LA; brothers, James Burns and wife Pat of Springhill, LA and Bob Burns and wife Jimmie of Queen City, TX; grandchildren, Michael Hair and wife Shannon of Magnolia, Dustin Johnson of Emmet, Megan Cummings Rowland and husband Justin of Okolona, Taylor Dees Wafford and husband Jonathan of Mt. Vernon, TX, Courtney Cummings of Emerson, Matthew Johnson of Emmet, Brayden Dees and wife Calli of Magnolia, and Jesse Dees of Magnolia; great grandchildren, Maddox Hair, Emily Dees, Lane and Levi Rowland, Carter and Cassidy Johnson, and one great grandchild on the way; six step grandchildren, eleven step great grandchildren, and special friends, Dr. Rob Butler (he is not my doctor, he is my friend) and Troy and Dave (from the KZHE radio station); and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2019 at the Western Baptist Church with Bro. Ronald Morgan and Bro. W.D. Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Western Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc, in Magnolia, AR. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mikes’ grandsons will serve as pallbearers. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a special memory please visit www.lewisfunealhome.biz.