Robert (Bob) McColum Burns, a beloved husband and father, passed away on January 19, 2025, surrounded by family. Bob was born on December 23, 1944 in Girard, Kansas and was the first of four children lovingly born and raised by Robert and Cecile Burns (McColum). At an early age, an enthusiasm for life, friendship and generosity became the hallmarks of Bob’s personality. Bob was proud of his southeastern Kansas heritage and pursued a business degree at Pittsburg State University. Following college, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served as an officer stationed in Panama. The majority of Bob’s life was dedicated to a nearly 50-year career as a State Farm Insurance agent in Abilene, Kansas, where made his home with his devoted wife, Karen (Spexarth).
Bob’s true legacy was the way he made people feel and he had a wide social circle indicative of his fondness for personal connection. Bob always had a joke at the ready and his inner circle was continually impressed with his seemingly unending catalogue of quips and witty remarks. He had a gift for making people feel valued and raising spirits. His hugs were medicine. Bob demonstrated an acute ability to recognize people in need and extended generosity without prompt.
Bob enjoyed reading and playing cards, but his real passion was playing golf with his closest friends. He spent countless hours on the course, much more to enjoy companionship rather than to pursue perfection. He held his travels with friends to notable courses among his most cherished memories.
Bob is survived by his wife, Karen, his daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Cory Mitchell, and granddaughter, Maya, who were the primary beneficiaries of Bob’s abundant love and affection. Other survivors include Bob’s siblings Rodney, Richard, and Robyn (Schaiff) each of whom carry cherished memories of Bob’s life well lived. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters-in-law Nancy and Dee Burns, who have welcomed him through heaven’s gate along with many of Bob’s closest friends and acquaintances.
Funeral services will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Abilene on Saturday, January 25 at 10:30 A.M. Lunch will be served following the service and all are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dickinson County or St. Andrew’s Catholic School in Abilene. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third ST., Abilene, Kansas 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com