Earl "Ray" Burns

Earl "Ray" Burns, 85, of Silver Lake, passed away Friday, November 20, 2020.

He was born January 14, 1935, in Valley Mills, Texas, the son of Willie and Laura (Gunter) Burns. He graduated from Valley Mills High School.

Ray worked at Santa Fe Railroad for 42 years. He commented once after he retired that he didn't know how he had time to work for life did not slow down after retirement as Ray became more involved in activities he loved.

In 1982, Ray purchased his first motorcycle, a Honda Goldwing. He and Marian loved travelling together across the United States and Canada on the motorcycle pulling a trailer and seeing the beautiful country God created. This motorcycle also launched he and Marian into a ministry that carried them across the nation and world preaching the gospel of Jesus to all, Christian Motorcyclists Association. He was a member of the local chapter of CMA in Topeka, Heaven on Wheels since 1984, and a member of the Board of Directors at CMA's headquarter since 1991.He was a devoted member of CMA and loved everything about the organization. For many years, he participated in rallies and the annual "Run for the Son", a fund -raiser where CMA gives money to specific organizations to help spread the gospel across the world. He has participated in over 30 international mission trips where the organization presents motorcycles and bicycles to the local pastors of churches, and has attended many motorcycle rallies across the United States and Canada where he shared the love of Christ. Over the years, Ray has owned many different motorcycles and he and his wife recently graduated from two-wheel motorcycles to a three-wheeled Stallion so they could continue on in the Ministry of CMA.

Ray had a strong faith and was also involved in his local Church, Topeka Baptist Church. He worked with his wife to develop a program called "LifeFest" which ministers to seniors in the community by having a time of worship, meals, fellowship and friendship. Ray loved his church and was committed to praying for the leadership and the church's ministries.

Ray loved life and his family. He was very devoted to his family, especially his wife Marian; they were united in married on August 13, 1977. He loved and adored his children, grandchildren and his great grand daughter. He left a legacy with every person he met and always committed to pray for the people God brought into his life.

Survivors include his wife, Marian K. Burns; children, Debra (Roger) Lee, Tammy Hinkle, and Jeffrey (Lesley) Burns; grandchildren, Tabitha (Walter) Kruse, Tanya (Andrew) Kendall, Marsha Nelson, Derek Hinkle, and Nathan Burns; sister, Merle Goodwin and brother, Johnny Burns and his only great-granddaughter, Samantha Kruse. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Billy Burns and Jack Burns.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Topeka Baptist Church, 4500 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, KS 66610. The family will greet friends an hour prior to service time. Burial will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Motorcyclists Association (Run for the Son), PO Box 9, Hatfield, AR 71945.

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