James Eugene ‘Gene’ Burns passed away July 2, 2017 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Born August 18, 1930 in the Town of Somerset, he was the son of the late James E. and Mary (Lewis) Burns. Gene was a graduate of Barker Central High School’s Class of 1948 and served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He worked for his uncle’s business, J.W. Lewis Company, Inc., where he was a sales representative for 45 years. Gene loved baseball, softball, basketball, and tennis. He also enjoyed photography, reading, and especially watching his grandchildren play sports. In 2007, he was inducted into the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame. He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church.
Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary (Kolek) Burns, whom he married June 11, 1955. He is the loving father of Elizabeth (late Tony) Woods, Barbara Burns, Patricia Burns-Naughton, Eileen (David) Ludwig, Susan Stoness, and Jill (Michael) Call and is the grandfather of Tony (Melissa), Caroline, Robert, Lauren (Michael), Lexi, Brad, Kitty, Brian, Jacob, Andrea, Sarah, Luke, Madeline, Jamie, Ryan, Patrick, and Samantha; and the great grandfather of Maura and Molly. He is the brother of the late Robert (Sally) Burns and the late Paul (Audrey) Burns, and is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Relatives and friends may call Thursday, July 6th from 4-8 PM at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee St., Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 7th at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport. Interment will be in Hartland Central Cemetery.
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