Doyle Burns

Doyle Devere Burns, “Barney”, of Central Lake, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday, April 18, 2019, at McLaren Hospital in Petoskey, surrounded by his family.

Barney was born on Friday, December 3, 1926, to Russell and Mabel Burns in Central Lake, Michigan. He grew up on the Burns Family Centennial Farm with his two brothers, Lloyd and Versile (“Buck”).

Barney graduated from Central Lake High School in 1944, and continued to work with his parents and brothers on the family farm. He was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War from 1950-1952. Soon after his return from his service, Barney and Buck began managing the family farm, and Burns Brothers Farm was founded in 1954. Together, the brothers managed many different crops, from pea seed to certified seed potatoes.

In July of 1973, Barney married Barbara Ann Vincent, a widowed mother with four children. Barney became a father to her children, and raised them as his own. He built a home for his family within a quarter mile of the farm where he was raised. He and Barbara lived there together until he passed.

Barney took an active interest in the academic and athletic activities of his children and grandchildren. His family was his number one priority and greatest pride.

Throughout his life, Barney was an active member of both his state and local community. He was a member of the Michigan Crop Improvement Association and served on the Echo Township Board of Review. He played poker with the Eastport Chowder and Athletic Society; he enjoyed the fellowship and competition of the group, and never missed a game. To his local community, he was an incredible historian, having a memory that allowed him to recall the date and weather of any town or family event.

The three brothers, Barney, Lloyd, and Buck, were well known for their work ethic and sense of humor, which brought joy and improvement to their community. Barney is preceded in death by his two brothers, Lloyd and Buck. We feel fortunate to have had Barney in our lives for so long, and he will be dearly missed.

Barney is survived by his wife of 46 years, Barbara Ann Burns; children, John (Tami) Vincent, David Vincent, Julie (Christine Jones) Vincent, and Lisa (Larry Harris) Vincent; grandchildren, Christine and Lissa Vincent, and Dean and Emily Harris; and, great-grandchildren, Wyatt Bruce and Sophia Harris.

Visitation will be held from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Tuesday, April 23 at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. The Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 pm also at the funeral home, followed by a graveside service at Dunsmore Cemetery.  A luncheon will be provided at the Congregational Church in Central Lake.

The family has asked that Barney be remembered through memorial contributions to the Central Lake Sports Boosters, c/o Central Lake Public School, PO BOX 128, Central Lake, MI 49622.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.