Charlie Burns

Image
  • Charlie Burns
    Charlie Burns
Body

DEVOL, OK - Charlie Burns, 75, died Dec. 30, 2020.

Charles Leonard Burns was born on April 29, 1945, in Chickasha, OK, to Leonard Jona (Pedro) Burns and Flora-Mae Wright (Burns). He was the third of seven children. He attended Fairview school, Lawton School and then graduated from Chickasha High School in 1963, followed by enlistment into National Guard Reserves.

Soon after graduation he embarked on his adventurous rodeo career. He participated in the events, bareback, bull riding, and steer wrestling. His successes in the arena led to a Rodeo scholarship at Howard College in Big Spring, where he would earn the titles: Southwest Region Champion bareback rider, Southwest Region All Around Champion and member of the 1977 Southwest Region men’s Rodeo team. In 1980 he began to work with Buster Welch, where he would be introduced and learn about the cutting horse world, His experience there would launch his career in cutting horse training.

On March 2, 1985 he wed his beloved wife Tanya and they have resided in Devol, OK, for the past 35 years, running a small horse operation. He would hold several trades over the years, pipe fitter, construction and day working. In the early 2000’s he started his career at Pruitt Ford selling vehicles, where we worked until present. He was a member of Devol First Baptist Church.

He was an avid reader and always had a thirst for knowledge, teaching himself to braid bull ropes that were used by the top PRCA bull riders. He was a lover of conversation and never met a stranger. He had a larger-than-life personality and loved to tell a good joke, through his love for people and jolly spirit he acquired many treasured friends. In recent days, if he was not selling cars, you would find him messing with horses, tinkering on the farm or spending time with his family. His love for horses can only be topped by his love for his family, he was easily the toughest man you ever met but had the kindest soul, he loved God and feared nothing.

He is survived by his wife Tanya Burns; son Dawson Burns of Tarzan; two daughters Kandace Burns of Burkburnett, and Whitney Burns-Harlan and spouse Jered Harlan of Devol, OK.; seven grandchildren Katherine, Madeline, and Elizabeth Burns of Tarzan, Charley Ann, Blakeley, Stateley and Steeley Harlan of Devol, OK.; one sister Geraldine Baker of Florence, CO.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Pedro and Flora-Mae Burns; brother David Burns; sister Anna Mae Fulton; and sister Monetha Justice

Funeral service were Jan.4, at First Baptist Church in Devol, OK with Pastor Justin Cardwell and Marty Markve officiating. Burial followed at the Devol Cemetery under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett.

Arrangements were under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett.