Dennis Burns Sr.

Dennis was educated in the Chicago Public School System. He attended Carver Elementary School and DuSable High School where he was a member of the basketball team, his team won the Chicago High School Championship in 1952-53 school year, they also went on to win the Central Championship in that same year. With his athletic ability and prowress Dennis was a part of teams that won many games and championships. Dennis also attended Wright Jr. College where he received an Associate Degree. He furthered his education at the University of Chicago.

Before Dennis married the love of his life Arlene Grant he served in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia where he received a certification as a Radio Teletype Operator, he was also part of an Army basketball team. He ended his service career with an Honorable Discharge.

Several years later Dennis married Arlene which he affectionately referred to as his Honey Bunny. From this union came four children: Danielle Denise, Gerard Romel, Deena Arlene and Dennis Jr. Dennis proved to be an exceptional provider and husband. He made sure his family was empowered with knowledge, wisdom and confidence. With that, Dennis instilled an appreciation of African American Heritage and History into his family. From this, everyone was given African names. African history was not the only thing that Dennis instilled into his family, he made sure that his children had strong work ethic and discipline. An emphasis on education was also strongly emphasized in the Burns home, with his thoughts and philosophy being “don’t use your head for just a hat rack”, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”, and one of his all time favorites “Knowledge is Power”.

Having a colorful personality, Dennis excelled in various work endeavors. For a period of time Dennis was a Precinct Captain for the 4th Ward which led to various other city positions: Clerk of the Probate Court, Streets of Sanitation and Cook County Department of Revenue. As time went on, he became part owner and manager of the family owned bookstore Books N Things. Dennis continued his employment in various managerial positions with Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald’s. He retired after many years in sales with Occidental Insurance and McGraw Hill, and began to travel abroad.

Just as colorful as his personality was in his work history, his personal life was just as colorful. He carried on his Father’s love of music, where his father was a member of Vaudeville. He had a very deep rich and melodic voice, and could always be heard singing anyone of his favorite jazz songs. As his sons grew, he introduced them to sports, you could always find him either playing basketball or teaching them how to play tennis. He was called the professor of tennis on the court, and “The Rock” by some of his closest friends.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 53 yrs Arlene/Kuki, four children: Danielle, Gerard, Deena and Dennis Jr., three sisters: Muriel, Bunny Jean, Roz, 17 grandchildren, ---- great grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces. A loving extended family, along with many many friends will share in the joy of his precious memories.