Wendell E. Burns, 69, of Francisco, passed away on Thursday September 1, 2011 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh.

He was born on August 12, 1942 in Francisco to Lonie and Ethel (Gentry) Burns. 

He lived in Francisco all his life and loved to fish, garden and especially loved his grandchildren.

 He was in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  He retired in 2008 from Hansen Corp. after 40 years.

 He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cheryl Burns of Francisco; three children, Jeffery (Misty) Burns of Mt. Carmel, IL, Laura Burns (Michael Miller) of Francisco, Lonie (Kelly) Burns of Fort Branch; five grandchildren, Stephen, Zach, Kaitlyn, Austin and Abby Burns; brother, James Burns of Francisco; and three sisters, Delta Harvey of Francisco, Ann Bailey of Louisville, Ky and Edna Boswell of North Carolina.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sisters, twins, Merle and Pearl Burns, Mary Scarlett and Margaret Garrett.

 Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, officiated by Pastor Jonathan Scott.  Burial will be at Providence Cemetery in rural Francisco.  Military graveside services will be conducted by VFW 1147.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.