March 4, 1932 – February 18, 2023
Dewane Gerald Burns, age 90 of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital after a brief illness. He was born on March 4, 1932, in Piqua, Ohio to the late Horace and Edith (Star) Burns. He married Martha Hoff on October 15, 1955, in Ohio, and they enjoyed 67 years of marriage together.
Dewane graduated from New Madison Ohio High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 – 1954, during the Korean Conflict. Before his retirement, he was employed by NCR Cash Register, and Barbers Milk, but spent most of his career as a foreman for Hobart, Inc.
He was active in his church where he served as Sunday school Superintendent for many years and served as president of the New Madison School Board of Education for ten years.
Dewane enjoyed being active and in his younger years, he ran track, played baseball, and had a special fondness for riding his bike. He would ride his bike almost daily and would often take it with him to enjoy while on vacation, he even rode his bike 1,000 miles. Dewane was a real family man and enjoyed family traditions like Friday night pizzas and annual trips to Gatlinburg, TN, or Cedarville, MI for perch fishing with family. Dewane was quick witted and was somewhat of a prankster who enjoyed surprising people and making them laugh and smile. He always lent a helping hand wherever there was a need and helped his children build and work on their houses.
Dewane volunteered for Hospice of North Ottawa Community for many years and enjoyed visiting with people while taking them to or from appointments. He was a long-time member of the American Legion, Post 145 of New Madison, OH, and was also a Mason and a Shriner. Dewane and Martha moved to Grand Haven in 1997 and was involved at Hope Reformed Church. One of the most memorable things that Dewane enjoyed later in life was going on the Veterans Administration Flights of Honor to Washington D.C.
Dewane is survived by his loving wife Martha; their children, JoVanna (Adam) McConnell of Grand Haven, Mike (Susan) Burns of Minster, OH, and Brad (Jackie) Burns of Bonifay, FL; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Beau McConnell; and his sister, Treva; and two brothers, Keith and Bud Burns.
Graveside services for Dewane, with full military honors provided by the Greenville Honor Guard, will take place at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Greenmound Cemetery in New Madison, Ohio.
Tribute Funeral Homes is serving the family.
Online condolences may be shared with Dewane’s family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.