CHARLES DAVID BURNS of River Ridge, Louisiana, died Monday night, October 3, 2011 at the Kansas Veterans' Home in Winfield, Kansas of complications from Alzheimer's Disease. He was 83 years old.

David was born October 11, 1927 to Valois "Peg" Williams and Reverend Joseph Riley Burns in Goddard, Kansas. David married Ann Light in 1956 in Winfield, Kansas.

He briefly served in the United States Navy in WWII and served in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean War. After graduating from the Nebraska University School of Law, David served as a Special Agent with the FBI in Salt Lake City, Utah and in Chicago, Illinois.

David spent most of his career in the area of labor relations. He became President of the Employer's Association of Greater Chicago, an organization of more than 1500 Chicagoland companies. He was active in civic affairs, serving on the Board of Directors of Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, Illinois and on the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners in Downers Grove, Illinois. David was an active member of the Methodist Church there along with a busy family life.

In 1980, David's career moved him to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he served as President and Chief Spokesman for the New Orleans Steamship Association in labor matters pertaining to the International Longshoremen's Association. He had executive responsibility for the organization of 62 members comprised of maritime owners, operators, charterers, agents and stevedores. David was active in many maritime organizations. He retired in 1994.

He was a member of Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church in New Orleans. His personal interests included reading, tennis, traveling, singing and listening to music. David had an artistic nature. He was a devoted family man and he will be deeply missed.

Survivors include:
His wife: Ann Burns;
His sons: Scott and wife, Marcia; David and wife, Mari;
His daughter: Elizabeth "Buffie" McLaughlin;
His sisters: Mary Beth Dietrick and Dorcas Lahnert;
His brother: Joe, Jr. and wife, Janie; and
His six grandchildren: Julia Burns Petrella, David and Adam; Grace McLaughlin; David and Ava.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 7, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at Grace United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Thursday evening from 4 to 8. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 6 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Mr. Burns' name for the Alzheimer's Association and for the Kansas Veterans' Home. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.