Raymond T. Burns

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."2 Tim 4:7.   Raymond T. Burns, Sr., 83, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully at his Central home on March 19, 2014.  Visitation will be Sunday, March 23, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Rabenhorst East Funeral Home, Florida Blvd. and on Monday 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 am at St. Isidore Catholic Church with mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. to be celebrated by Fr. Gerald Burns. Interment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park.  Born in Belle Alliance, LA, September 6, 1930, he was a faithful servant of our Lord, a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, and a devoted family man.  A U.S. Air Force veteran, he retired from AM International with over 35 years of service.  He leaves behind his loving wife, Betty O. Burns, just 6 weeks short of their 60th anniversary; his children, Lamar and Kaye Burns, Pearland, Texas, Stephen and Laurie Burns, Gregg and Cerise Burns, Vicki and Johnny Kelley, and daughter-in-law, Robin Burns, all of Baton Rouge.  He is also survived by 9 grandchildren:  Nicole and Sarah Burns, Pearland, Texas; Kerry and Hannah Burns, Brent Burns, Shelby Kirby, Kyle Burns, Curt and Brooke Kelley, Jamie and Chad Bouquet and Carlie and Blake Torrence, all of Baton Rouge; 3 great grandchildren, Grace Kirby, Kinslie and Kendall Bouquet, and was anxiously awaiting the birth of 2 more great grandchildren, Baby Kelley and Baby Boy Torrence.  As the baby of 12 children, he is also survived by 2 sisters, Lois Sharkey, Birmingham, Alabama, and Marie Simoneaux, Baton Rouge and numerous nephews and nieces.  He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Ray T. Burns, Jr.; 6 brothers, Roy, Robert, Patrick, Shelby, Paul and Wilbert, and 3 sisters, Sidonia, Anna Mae Landry, and Jeannie Martinez. Pallbearers will be Kerry, Brent, and Kyle Burns, Curt Kelley, Don Landry, Pat Burns. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Hershel Dean, Dr. Jeffery Hyde, and St. Joseph's Hospice staff, especially Allegra Dennis, for the loving care given.