Rev. Richard M. "Dick" Burns

Rev. Richard M. "Dick" Burns, 80, formerly of DuBois PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday March 16, 2010 at his daughter's home in Hollsopple, Pa. Dick was born August 8, 1929 in DuBois, a son of the late Howard M. and Florence V. Thompson Burns.

He graduated from DuBois High School in 1947 and Asbury College in Wilmore Ky, class of 1952. He received a B.S. degree in Sacred Theology at Westminster Seminary then later his Masters of Divinity from Wesley Seminary in Washington D.C. He was ordained Elder and Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1955.

Dick served as pastor at the following parishes: New Market Md., Van/Rockland, St. Mary's, Oakland in Johnstown and First Church in Corry. In 1988, he was the first appointed Evangelist for the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church, where he traveled preaching until he semi-retired in 1994. During his retirement he was the Associate Pastor of the Lakeside UM Church in DuBois where he made his home, and continued serving as Conference Evangelist.

During his career as a minister Dick served on many UM Church boards and agencies. He was a past President of the Aldersgate Ministry, also known as the United Methodist Renewal Fellowship, where he was involved in the movement of the Holy Spirit. Dick worked extensively in the United Methodist camping program where he pioneered and was dean of many adventure camps in Western Pa. including horse, canoe and rustic camp, He was an active speaker in the Ashram Movement and was also a delegate to several General Conferences in the United Methodist Church.

Dick was active in the Boy Scouts of America for 68 years, attaining Eagle Scout in 1951 with 1 bronze palm. Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, the AUTEC lodge within the Bucktail Council, the camp staff assistant program director and chaplain of Camp Mountain Run, and was Chaplain of several national jamborees. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in recognition of his adult leadership in scouting.

Dick enjoyed preaching the word of God, hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and being a horseman. He was a circuit rider for the churches that he served, preaching the word of God on his faithful horse, Chief.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his son Richard M. Burns in 1975; also his brothers, Howard Jack Burns in infancy and William E. Burns.

Dick is survived by his wife, Wilma Jean Curstead Burns, whom he married August 19, 1951 in Dubois; three daughters, Sharon A. Thomas and her husband David of Hollsopple, Christine R. Zimmerman and her husband Rev. John of Corry and Bonnie H. Edder and her husband Daniel of Girard; a son, Rev. Douglas E. Burns and his wife Judy of North Huntington Twp., Pa, daughters by choice Finney J. Burns and Sandra Burns of Dennison, Tx.; fifteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; also many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Thursday from 5PM to 9PM at the Oakland United Methodist Church, 1504 Bedford St., Johnstown, Pa 15902. Further calling hours will be held at the Lakeside United Methodist Church, 420 1st St. Dubois, Pa. on Friday from 2-5PM and 7-9PM. Funeral services will be held there on Saturday at 10:00 am, with Rev. Douglas Burns and Rev. John Zimmerman officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Richard Burns Endowment fund for Evangelist, C/O Lakeside U.M. Church; the Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, PO Box 1205 Goodlettsville, TN.,37070 or the Bucktail Council -BSA Chaplain Fund, Bucktail Council, Boy Scouts of America 209 First Street DuBois, PA 15801.

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