George Burns

George C. Burns was born on March 6, 1931, to George B. Burns and Clara Hoskins Burns. George departed this Earth for his Heavenly home on December 17, 2014. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of forty-nine years Charlene Atchison Burns and his daughter-in-law Cynthia Burns. George is survived by his sister, Irene Hanna; children George (Bubba) and wife Jillaine of Bulverde, Stewart and wife Cheryl of Smithville, Andrew (Andy) of San Antonio, Suzanne Peschke and husband Dwight of Giddings, Kathryn (Renie) Galvan and husband Tony of Smithville; grandchildren: Leah Burns, Jenna Burns, Jarrod Burns, Justus Burns, Skylar Burns, Kristin Metcalf (Alex), Allison Mouser (Nathan), Katelyn Vinklarek (Shawn), Christopher Burns, Karis Burns, Eric Peschke (Laura), Bradley Peschke (Candace Stifflemire), Logan Galvan; great grandchildren: Ryan Stewart Vinklarek, George William Dale Metcalf, Emilia Lonalynne Metcalf, Claire June Vinklarek, Benjamin Thomas Metcalf and Dwight Leighton Peschke and special friend Peggy Kellar Row.
George was born in Smithville, Texas, and was a lifelong Smithville Tiger. George spent his youth on his family's dairy farm helping his parents. Smithville High School brought new opportunities and accolades including being named a State Champion Calf Roper, Smithville Tiger All State football player and Senior Class President. After high school George attended Texas A&M University where he played football for the Fightin' Texas Aggies. Whoop! Life took George to Houston, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Charlene Atchison. Friends of Charlene described George as "the one" immediately upon meeting him. George and Charlene married May 17, 1953. George was a licensed mortician and funeral director where he earned the nickname "Digger." George and Charlene moved home to Smithville in 1960 with their three boys, Bubba, Stewart & Andy. God blessed them with the birth of their daughters Suzanne and Renie soon after. George began his employment with the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad as a night clerk and advanced through the ranks, eventually becoming Train Master. He was named Manager of Train Operations upon the purchase of the MKT by the Union Pacific Railroad; retiring after thirty-seven years of employment. George served his community by being a member and eventually President of the Smithville ISD School Board, member of the Smithville Regional Hospital Board and charter member of Billy Davis' Bench Boys. Retirement brought him the opportunity to spend time with family. He enjoyed many hours of children on his lap driving through the pasture checking his cows. His time spent hunting, fishing, working cattle, watching his grandsons play football, granddaughters play volleyball, cheering at dance recitals, attending school plays, driving to Dairy Queen. Grandparents' lunches at school were among his most treasured memories. George provided support and guidance to many and never met a stranger. His genuine kindness and caring demeanor earned him many lifelong friends. He truly shaped the lives of multiple generations. Our loss is surely Heaven's gain.
The family will welcome visitors Thursday December 18 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at All Faiths of the Pines in Smithville. A Rosary will be recited Thursday at 7:00 pm at All Faiths of the Pines in Smithville. Mass will be celebrated Friday December 19 at St. Paul Catholic Parish in Smithville at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in the parish hall. The family requests donations be made to the St. Paul Catholic Parish prayer garden in George Burns' name.