Brian E. Burns, 68, of Lenexa, KS, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 25, 2024.
Brian was born on October 17, 1956, to Betty (Wright) and Leo Burns. He was a sweet and spirited child who loved to spend time with his many cousins with Jodie (Burns) Barnes being his first best friend. At the age of ten, Brian was excited to become a big brother to Julie Minzey (Snook).
Brian graduated from Shawnee Mission North in 1975. Afterward, he attended Johson County Community College, studying business. He started working at APA Auto Parts during his high school years and knew from the beginning it was the industry he wanted to dedicate his professional life to. He was a well-respected, hardworking professional becoming a manager and owner. This love for the automotive industry was shown in the many classic American muscle cars he owned throughout his life.
In July 1973, Brian met the love of his life, Jody Schneider (1975 Shawnee Mission Northwest graduate). They were high school sweethearts and married on July 30, 1977, at Merriam Christian Church; the same church where Brian was baptized.
In 1983, Brian was ecstatic to become a father when his daughter Sabrie (Brie) Burns was born, and again when he welcomed his son, Ryan Burns, in 1987. He was over the moon and fully embraced his role as a loving and patient father. Teaching them both many life skills.
Brian was thrilled when Christina Harms joined our family when she and Ryan married in 2013.
In 2017, Brian could barely contain his happiness when he became a granddad when Paisley was born. And overjoyed when his grandson, Callen was born in 2019.
He was grateful that his children and grandchildren lived nearby so that they were able to visit him often. When his grandbabies would visit, Granddad always had a little treat ready for them.
Brian enjoyed playing baseball with his family, water skiing, and boating, particularly when he and Jody had a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks. He also liked to snow ski and do woodworking projects. He was very handy and made sure to teach his children these skills any chance he got. Brian’s favorite pastime was hunting with his son, friends, and nephews along with his beloved German Shorthaired Pointers.
Brian was preceded in death by his father, Leo, mother Betty Minzey, stepfather Frank Minzey. He is survived by his wife Jody, daughter Sabrie, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Paisley, grandson Callen, sister Julie Minzey Snook (Tim), and stepmother Glenda Burns.
He will be missed by a multitude of friends, cousins, and family members.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS with the visitation to follow the service.