Elbert Lafayette Burns Jr

Elbert Lafayette Burns, Jr., age 89, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2015. He was born on February 1, 1926 in Tamina, TX. Elbert grew up in saw mill towns with his 6 sisters; he was second to the youngest and the only boy. He started working at an early age and lied about his age to get a driver’s license. He married his wife, Geneva, when he was 17 and she was 18. They had a daughter, Aline, during their first year of marriage and when she was 4 months old, he was called to serve the military to fight in WWII. He served in the Pacific Theater 1944-1946 as an Army paratrooper in the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment; 462nd Parachute Field Artillery Battalion Company C, 161st Parachute Engineer Battalion. After his discharge from the army, Elbert supported his young family through various jobs. He eventually found his way into the oil and gas industry as a purchasing agent and safety manager, among other responsibilities. He and Geneva lived in Singapore while he was working for an oil company and they travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia and Europe. They eventually settled in Magnolia, Texas, in the early 80’s, becoming their last home. Elbert and Geneva enjoyed serving their church and community and enjoyed spending time with their family and friends. They are longtime members of the First Baptist Church of Magnolia.

He was preceded in death by his wife Geneva Belle Burns; daughter, Aline Wilson; parents, Elbert and Lavinia Burns and 6 sisters, Hazel Sirman, Willie Lee Burns, Bernice Bradshaw, Lorene Parsons, Doris McKinzie and Joyce Morgan. He is survived by his granddaughters, Geneva Hollis and husband Stan, Sarah Eickenhorst and husband Randy; four great grandchildren Ben, Sam and Jack Eickenhorst and Rachel Hollis; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Magnolia.