Phillip Burns

Phillip Glenn Burns, Kingfisher, was born September 23, 1925 in Dover to Glenn and Elsie Shatto Burns, the eldest of four children.

He passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. He was 94.

Phil lived in Dover throughout his childhood and was set to graduate from Dover High School, but instead left school in December 1942, his senior year, to join the U.S. Army and serve in World War II.

He was stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1946. Sixty years later, in May 2002, Phil, along with three other classmates, was recognized for his service to our country and awarded an honorary Dover High School diploma, of which he was very proud.

Shortly after returning from Germany, Phil met a girl from Cashion, Dorothy Ruhl, who would turn out to be the love of his life. Phil and Dorothy married in 1949 and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past June.

They had two children, a son, Bob, and a daughter, Linda.

During his working career, Phil wore many hats.

He and Dorothy established a home in Kingfi sher, and Phil became a member of the Kingfisher Police Department. He eventually ran for and was elected Kingfisher County Sheriff.

After his stint in law enforcement ended, Phil owned and operated Burns Auto Supply in Kingfi sher for many years, ultimately selling the business to Owens Supply Company.

He also worked for F&M Parts, “retiring” from there, but found that retirement didn’t suit him very well, so late in life Phil returned to work part-time for Sanders Funeral Service, working there for 14 years until the age of 84.

As much as Phil enjoyed working, being around people, and telling stories, the true light of his life was his grandchildren. When they were small, Phil could often be seen around town taking them for treats, to the library, or anywhere to spend time with them.

As the grandkids grew, you’d find Phil at their ball games, concerts, or just somewhere around town bragging about them to anyone who would listen.

Phil was a member of the local V.F.W., a lifetime member of the American Legion, a charter member of the Kingfi sher B.P.O.E (Elks Lodge) #2416, where he served as Exalted Ruler, and the Kingfisher First Christian Church, where he held the position of deacon.

Phil is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy, of the home; one son, Bob Burns and wife Tiffany of Edmond; one daughter, Linda Soudek and husband J.E. of Kingfi sher; grandchildren Joe Soudek III and wife Angella of Abbeville, La., Jessica Roberts and husband Justin of Edmond, Shane Soudek of Brooklyn, N.Y., Katie Soudek of Waco, Texas, and Rhayven Burns of Edmond; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jean Sikes of Lewisville, Texas, and Ramona Ogle of Talihina; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Raymond Burns.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, at the Kingfi sher First Christian Church and will be officiated by Rev. Mark Westman under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.