Gerald William Burns

"Gerald William "Jerry" Burns passed away peacefully on May 8, 2018 at 94 in his Baton Rouge, La. home. He did so in the loving arms of his family while receiving last rites. Jerry was born September 18, 1923, in Tomah, Wis., the fifth of eight children. He endured many hardships during his early years "“ the deprivation of the Great Depression, the premature death of his beloved mother, Mabel Johanna (Anthony), and subsequent desertion by his father, William Evereth. His oldest sibling, Mildred, at the age of twenty struggled to keep the family together. Gerald deeply respected her tremendous courage, dedication and success during this difficult time. Jerry worked tirelessly to support the family throughout his youth. These trying years forged many of the attributes that defined his character: perseverance, hard work, individual responsibility, honesty, integrity, compassion for others, and the importance of family and education. Jerry graduated from Sparta High School in 1941 with athletic and academic distinction being voted class president, football captain and prom king by classmates. He used his meager savings to enroll at the University of Wisconsin. When the U.S. entered WWII, Jerry, as a 19-year-old, suspended studies to serve the country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and served as an officer navigator in the 13th Air Force, 307th Heavy Bombardment Group flying B-24s in the Pacific theatre. The 13th was named the "Long Rangers" because they flew the longest and heaviest bombing missions of the USAAF, often flying without fighter escort to remote enemy targets. Jerry flew 51 missions while assigned to the "Shady Lady" piloted by Captain Thomas Harris. Comrades took great comfort knowing that Jerry could accurately navigate their missions and return home. The 307th received numerous citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for exceptional bravery and performance during the Truk mission. Jerry was honorably discharged as a Second Lieutenant in July 1945. He re-entered the University of Wisconsin where he earned a M.S. in Petroleum Geology in 1950. Upon graduating, he accepted a job with Standard Oil of California (now Chevron USA). Jerry's work took him across the U.S. and when in New Orleans met the love of his life, Mary Frances "Manky" Scafide of Bay St. Louis, Miss. Shortly after, he accepted an assignment to Lima, Peru. While Jerry was assigned in the Amazon River Basin, his touching love letters persuaded Manky to leave home and journey to Lima for his hand in marriage. The two were married November 27, 1954. In March 1957, they welcomed their first child, Sharron. After concluding foreign service, they relocated to Jackson, Miss. where Shaun was born November 1959. During his 11-year assignment in Jackson, Jerry continued his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, attended night school and passed the Mississippi bar exam to earn his law degree. He concluded his 34-year career with Chevron in New Orleans in 1984 where he retired to his longtime home in Mandeville, La. Hurricane Katrina prompted their final move to Baton Rouge in 2005 where they joined their children. Jerry was a man of strong principle who subscribed to the Christian ethic. He stood firmly for civil rights, equal opportunity and justice for all, even when these convictions clashed with popular opinion. He was a lifelong learner with a passion for education believing that every child deserves the best education possible. Jerry was known for his quick-wit ability to make people laugh. He was a loyal friend, a devoted family man and an avid reader. He loved his pets, music and sports, especially golf and the Green Bay Packers. Jerry will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Above all, Jerry loved and adored his bride of 63-years; their two children and spouses Michael Buchart and Katherine; his five grandchildren Scott and Savannah Burns, Mary Katherine (Paul) Buzhardt, Christopher (Katianne) and Alexandra; and three great-grandchildren Olivia and Emma Buzhardt and Cecilia Buchart "“ all who affectionately refer to him as "Papa Jerry". He believed: "the greatest accomplishment in life is to not only earn the respect and honor of your family and friends, but also their love". Jerry's family is forever grateful for the example he set, the values he instilled, and the proud legacy he leaves behind. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Audrey Walker, Carol-Mae, Irene Downing, Leon, Mildred Hutchinson and Raymond. His remaining sibling is Elaine Neustadter of Green Bay, Wis. The family is thankful for the care and support of Ginny Barden, Sheila Jackson, Julie McArthur, Annie Todd, Joyce Winzer and St. Joseph Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM Monday, May 21, 2018 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home "“ East, 11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge. Visitation begins at 5:00 PM. The service to be officiated by Reverends Don Ajoko and Ayo Efodigbue, MSP. A military burial will be conducted at the Louisiana National Cemetery near Zachary, La. on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The National WWII Museum (http://www.nationalww2museum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.NationalWW2Museum.org) or Boys Town (http://www.boystown.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.BoysTown.org).