Albert H. Burns, 85, of Tenaha, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at a Nacogdoches health care facility. He was born September 30, 1924 in Tenaha to Robert E. Burns, Sr. and Ruby Lee Wooten Burns. Mr. Burns was a member of the Tenaha Class of 1942, the year they won the Bi-District Championship, and a member of the Tenaha High School Hall of Fame. Mr. Burns was a WWII veteran, having served with the 17th Bomber Group, 34th Squadron in the European Theatre. He was a member and past Post Commander of the American Legion Post 520. Mr. Burns was a member of the Men's III Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Tenaha, and had been a Deacon there since 1967. He was one of the longest active licensed real estate agents in Texas, having owned and operated Burns Real Estate since 1947. Mr. Burns was also the past owner and publisher of The East Texas Light. For many years he was a Tenaha City Council member. He was a former member and president of the Tenaha ISD School board, and very active in public service. For many years he was active in the East Texas timber industry. Mr. Burns was a trusted steward of Tenaha and East Texas lore.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, March 12, 2010 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Tenaha with Rev. Russ Atwood, Rev. Raymond Guthrie and John Scull officiating. Interment will follow at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Andrews, Joshua Andrews, Matthew Burns, Blake Smith, Larry Parkman, and Michael Parkman. Honorary pallbearers will be the Honorable Mayor George Bowers and the Deacons of the First Baptist Church of Tenaha.

He is survived by:

Daughter, Linda Burns Carnahan of Duncanville

Sons:
R.E. "Bob" Burns of Tenaha
Albert Barry Burns & wife Lisa of Plano

Grandchildren:
Michelle Smith & husband Blake of Falls Church, Virginia
Josh Andrews of Duncanville
Jeremy Andrews of Duncanville
Matthew Burns & wife Jill of Irving
Kennedy Burns of Plano
Albert Cooper Burns of Plano

Great Grandchildren:
Madeleine Smith of Falls Church, Virginia
Henry J. Smith of Falls Church, Virginia

Sister, Elizabeth W. Neel of Lufkin

Brother, Robert Emmett Burns, Jr. & wife Helen of Hewitt

Also a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by:
Wife of 59 years, Virginia Parkman Burns
Sister, Mary Wynne Tadema
Brother, John W. Burns

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made the First Baptist Church in Tenaha to help continue Mr. Burns legacy of community and public service.