Robert Carleton Burns, 83, Lusby

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Robert Carleton Burns, 83, of Lusby, formerly of Temple Hills, died peacefully Nov. 14, 2009, at his residence.

He was born Feb. 10, 1926, in Washington, D.C., to the late Thomas Burns and Gertrude Shoup Burns.

He was the beloved husband of Jean M. Burns, whom he married Dec. 19, 1947, in Washington, D.C.

He attended Eastern High School in Washington, D.C., and left high school to join the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943.

He took part in the World War II Pacific Campaign as a gunner and mechanic on PBJs with VMB-433.

He also served on active duty during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1965 as a master sergeant.

He worked for PEPCO for 36 years, and retired in 1986 as roving maintenance general foreman. In 1983, he and his wife moved from Temple Hills to Lusby where he built a waterfront home. He was a member of Marine Bombing Squadron VMB-433, Marine Air Group 61, Marine Corps Aviation Association and the VFW. He loved wood working and was well known for both his extensive wood shop and his abilities while in it. He was also an avid gardener.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary K. Burns; and his grandson, Robert C. Burns III.

He is survived by his children, Robert C. Burns Jr. of Leonardtown and San Diego, Calif., Karen Keysar of La Plata, and Steven T. Burns Sr. of Lusby; grandchildren, Julie M. and Steven T. Burns Jr., Paul and Greg Keysar and Shea Riniker.

Funeral services were Nov. 18 at the Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby with the Rev. Bruce Wietzke officiating.

Interment will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Hospice, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, or online at www.calverthospice.org.