James Howard Burns, 84, a lifelong resident of Steele, Missouri passed away peacefully on Friday October 7, 2022, at the Southgate Living Center in Caruthersville, Missouri. He was born on March 8, 1938, the son of the late Ben & Lillian Jewell (Green) Burns.

Howard began his life living on South Walnut in Steele with his parents. He continued living next door with his wife Shirley and only child Julia for many years, then returning to his home place with his small family for the remaining years of his life.  He graduated with the class of 1956 Steele High School, keeping many friendships with his fellow classmates.  He was a pillar of his community in Steele, he began working at the movie theater at the age of 16 where he worked with a young girl Shirley Reynolds who he later married on April 30, 1958, in Hernando Mississippi, they were married for 59 years. Later Howard worked at Poteet Hardware store for many years and after several years of working at the store purchased it and renamed the store Burns Hardware. Howard and Shirley were business owners of the Burns Hardware. After 35 years they sold the store, and the legacy continues in same location as Buchanan's Hardware. Howard was honored as the longest standing member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church in Steele and took on many other roles at the church including treasurer, always being a servant was one of Howard's outstanding qualities and his actions were always proof of the Christian man he was.

Mr. Burns was also the caretaker of the Mount Zion Cemetery in Steele for many years, and his caring loving heart made this more of a passion than a job. He will be sadly missed in this community but rejoiced by us as well for all the compassion and love that this kind gentleman gave so freely to all he met.

Along with his many achievements he served on many boards such as Community Betterment Committee, Housing Board, Mount Zion Cemetery, he served on the Volunteer Fire Department for many years, The Chamber of Commerce of Steele, Odd Fellows Lodge, Jaycees. He was an avid bowler up until the age of 82. He shared his passion for bowling with his wife his daughter and his grandson. He taught Bart how to bowl at the young age of 3 carrying on the passion for the sport. In his younger years he had a love for the game of tennis and ran track in high school.

Mr. Burns fondly known as G-Daddy by so many in our community, could always be seen watching his 2 grandchildren and great grandchildren in the many activities they were involved in.

He especially enjoyed watching all the many ball games of his grandson Bart and teammates playing baseball traveling to many ball parks all over.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Shirley (Reynolds) Burns on September 13, 2017.

He leaves his memory to cherish by his daughter Julia Wheatley and her husband Steve of Steele, Missouri

One Grandson: Bart Wheatley and his wife Kelly of Jonesboro, Arkansas

One Granddaughter: Jestle Gee of Steele, Missouri

Four Great Grandchildren: Jilly & Emmy Ann Gee of Steele, Missouri and

Merritt & Eloise Wheatley of Jonesboro, Arkansas

Funeral Services were held on Monday October 10,2022 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Steele, Missouri with Brother Ryan West officiating. Visitation from 9:30am – 11:00 am just before the service. Pall Bearers were: Peyton Robinson, Chris Robinson, Jonathan Green, Earl Carter, Jordan Carter, and Wendy Holt. Honorary Pall Bearers were Johnny Carter, Eddie Gilbert, Jack Brooks, Don Rogers, Jerry Graham, Gene Reams, Delbert DePriest, and Jerry Green. The family request to make memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church 222 South Walnut, Steele, MO 63877.

Interment was in the Mount Zion Cemetery in Steele, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of John W. German Funeral Home.

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