Robert Burns

Robert Burns was born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 15, 1928, the son of James T. and Mary L. Burns. He attended Sewanee Military Academy and North Fulton High School. He received an AB and JD degree from Emory University and an MS from the University of Colorado. He was a member of Chi Phi social fraternity, Phi Delta Phi Legal fraternity, and SIE business fraternity. He was admitted to the State Bar and the Supreme of Georgia in 1951 and the U.S. Supreme Court in 1955.

He married Doris Tharpe in 1947. They had three children; Mary V., James R., and Timothy L. Burns. He entered the USAF in 1952 and retired in 1977 having served in Greenland, Germany, Philippines, and various locations throughout the United States. He was certified as both Trial and Defense counsel and as a judge in General Courts-Martial. He also served as appellate defense counsel before the AF Board of Review and the Court of Military Appeals. He served as Staff Judge Advocate at various levels of command and concluded his AF career as General Counsel for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, at that time the fifth largest retail organization in the world. Among other decorations he was awarded the Army and AF commendation medals; the Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit with oak leaf clusters.

After retirement from the USAF he and his family resided in Aurora, Colorado and they owned and operated two Western Sizzlin restaurants. He retired in 1994. He was a member of The Retired Officers Assn., The Air Force Retired Judge Advocates Ass., The American Legion, and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Aurora. He was a former member of Sardis Lodge F&AM and Sardis Council of Atlanta. He was associated and active in Trinity By the Sea Episcopal Church in Port Aransas, Texas. He was an avid fisherman and RVer.

His wife, Doris and his daughter, Mary Valorie predeceased him. He is survived by his sons James R. and Timothy L. Burns (Vicki), 12 grandchildren, their spouses, and 21 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22 at 11:00 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1 Delmar Circle, Aurora, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity by the Sea Episcopal Church, 433 Trojan Street, Port Aransas, TX 78373.