Ed Burns, 92, of Wichita, Kan., Colorado Springs, Colo., and Longboat Key, died Feb. 8.

Born in Tampa, Mr. Burns moved to Birmingham, Ala., at age 15, after his mother’s death. There he graduated from Ensley High School as class president in 1939. After his graduation, he moved to Wichita to work in the sheet metal shop at Beech Aircraft Co., a fledgling company his uncle founded. In 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy and served his country during World War II.

Upon returning to civilian life, Mr. Burns enrolled at the University of Kansas. He returned to Beech Aircraft, where he quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming president of the company. He retired in 1982, spending his time at residences in Kansas, Colorado and Florida.

Mr. Burns was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with friends.

Mr. Burns was preceded in death by his wife, Betty.

He is survived by his sons, Robert and Walter; cousins, Mary Lynn and Bill Oliver; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Thursday, Feb. 14, at St. James Episcopal Church, in Wichita, Kansas. Memorial donations may be made to the University of Kansas Endowment at P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, Kan., 66044, or to St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, Kan., 67208.

 

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