John Burns, Jr

John "Jack" Burns Jr., 84 of Central Lake, died Mon. Dec. 7, 2015 at home. He was born Dec. 24, 1930, in Detroit, the son of John and Fern (Gotham) Burns. Jack proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. On Nov. 3, 1951 he married Cleo Mulonas, although he always joked he "didn't really know if he was married or not because the wedding was in Greek". When he returned home he spent 12 years driving truck for Barry Steel in Detroit, before moving north to Central Lake in 1972. Together they became members of the First Congregational Church, and owned and operated the Central Lake Hardware for 6 years. Jack then went to work for Wilhelm Construction and eventually Springstead Construction. In 1996 they retired to Gainsville, FL where they were members of the Grace United Methodist Church. Jack enjoyed long days of golf and putting together puzzles. He also enjoyed woodworking. He and Cleo moved back to Central Lake recently to spend his final days close to his beloved family. Surviving Jack is his loving wife of 64 years, Cleo. He is also survived by his children Laurie (John) Springstead of Central Lake, John C. Burns III of Mancelona, Leslie (Craig) Dawson of Central Lake, Tracy (Dirk) Churchhill of Texas, siblings Glen Silvernaile, Joann Bowden, Richard (Sandy) Burns, Donald (Lynn) Burns, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren with one on the way, and special nephew Dan Keuhn of Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ruth Cebula. A memorial service will be held Sat. Dec. 12, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Central Lake with Pastor Gary Bekkering officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be directed to the Ursula House thru the First Congregational Church, PO BOX 326, Central Lake, MI 49622. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.