LaVern A. Burns, 90, of Hutchinson, died December 17, 2010, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.


He was born March 23, 1920, in Stafford, KS, the son of Joseph William and Inez Anderson Burns.

He was a 1939 graduate of Partridge High School, Partridge. Upon graduation, LaVern worked at C.O. Mammels Grocery with his older brother, Calvin. He also worked for Dillons for several years, then became owner and manager of Smith's Market. He owned and managed a greenhouse business for a number of years until it was destroyed by a hail storm. He then opened a salvage business.

Upon retirement, LaVern enjoyed many fishing expeditions with numerous friends. He was known around town as an avid hunter and fisherman. His hunting days ended with his increased challenges from rheumatoid arthritis.

LaVern married Mary E. Smith of South Hutchinson on August 23, 1941. He is survived by his wife of 69 years and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by: four sisters-in-law, Mary Frances Burns, Ruth Spivey, Ruby Jacques and June Burns; and one brother-in-law, Lee Spivey. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Calvin and Layton, two sisters, Neoma Buckley and Beryle Laughlin. His mother passed away when LaVern was two years of age and his father died a few years later. He and his brother, Layton, were raised by their loving sister, Neoma Burns Buckley, and her family.

Funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 20, 2010, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Ault-Duell presiding. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made in honor of LaVern Burns to Hospice House, South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, or the Arthritis Foundation.

Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.