Ruel Fox Burns Jr.

Ruel F. Burns Jr., 98, of Terre Haute passed away on Thursday, October, 19, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. Ruel was a servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and an American patriot. He was born on October 9, 1925 in Terre Haute to Ruel Fox Burns Sr., and Catherine Spears. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1943. He attended West Point graduating in 1946 and serving in the U. S. Army until 1954. After his Army service he managed the Terre Haute Mill of Weston Paper and Manufacturing Company. He retired from Weston Paper as a Vice President in 1982. He then served two terms as Vigo County Clerk. His greatest pleasure as County Clerk was officiating at the weddings of over 1000 couples. Throughout his life Ruel served the Terre Haute community, serving as Chairman of the Vigo County Republican Party and most recently as a Linton Township Trustee. He formerly served on the Weston Wabash Foundation, was a member of the Boy’s Club Board of Directors, a member of the VFW, and Sheriff’s Association. Ruel loved the Lord and he supported Derek Prince Ministries, Christian International Churches, and other independent ministries. Ruel is survived by his wife of 43 years Helen Jane Burns, son R. Fox Burns and wife Debbie of Manchester, TN, daughter Susan Caye Burns of Las Vegas, NV, step-son Mark Webster and wife Janice, step-daughter Julie and husband Billy Bergherm, step-daughter Trish Pine, step-daughter Kathy and husband Vern Hedden, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his first wife Joyce Carol Burns, sister Betty Caye Hudson, son Jon Charles Burns, and step-daughter Cindy Cronkhite. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 1 PM at Roselawn Funeral Home, with Rev. Fred Harrison officiating. Interment with Honors will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 11 AM until time of services at the funeral home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net for the Burns family.