Sylvester Burns

Sylvester V. “Syl” Burns, 81, of Benton Harbor, peacefully passed away to his heavenly home, on Friday, July 27, 2012, surrounded by his loving family at his home. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 11:30 A.M. Tuesday at Crystal Springs Church of God, 1465 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor, with Rev. Tim Foreman & Rev. Ross Tarantino officiating, & Military Rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may call from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crystal Springs Church of God. Those wishing to sign Syl’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Syl was born October 27, 1930 in Benton Harbor to Verlon & Lila (Fisher) Burns. He attended Benton Harbor High School and later served in the US Army, during the Korean War. On November 2, 1957, he married the former Norma Jean Oswald in Benton Harbor. Together they celebrated nearly fifty-five years of marriage. Syl owned & operated Syl’s Carpet Service for forty-three years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of Crystal Springs Church of God and cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grand & great-grandchildren who called him “Bompa”. In his free time, Syl enjoyed working outdoors around the house, fishing, bowling, playing cards with Norma, and watching the Chicago White Sox & Bears or his favorite NASCAR driver, Ryan Newman. Syl was a light-hearted, fun-loving man who always had a joke to tell or play on someone. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Syl is survived by his wife Norma; two daughters-Lonna (Mark) VanderLinden of Watervliet, Lori Richter of Benton Harbor; six grandchildren-Sylvia Guiterrez, Justin Richter, Haley Richter, Skylor VanderLinden, Dena Richter & Aubrey Richter; two great-grandchildren-Norma Jean Guiterrez & Ella Joy Richter; and numerous nieces, nephews & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by siblings-Ida Schmalfeldt, Deloris Seaman, Betty Humphrey, Ruth Seaman, Mag Borr, Chet & John Burns, and an infant sister. Syl, you will be missed by your loving family until you greet us in Heaven. We will miss your smile and your silly jokes. We love you and good bye.