Howard “Joe” Burns 65, Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 12:45 P.M. Friday December 8, 2017 at his residence.

He was born on April 23, 1952 in Gary, Indiana, the son of Howard A. and Evelyn (Edington) Burns. On August 9, 1975 in Crown Point, Indiana, he married Cindy Burger Utley and she survives.

Mr. Burns had worked for the Erie Lackawanna Railroad for ten years and also the City of Crown Point. He retired as a well driller having operated Crown Point Well and Pump. He had been a member of the Eagles Lodge, American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Moose Lodge and a lifetime member of the NRA. In his spare time he enjoyed NASCAR, collecting guns and was a big fan of the Three Stooges and the Andy Griffith Show.

Survivors include his children, Brandy Burns, Lowell, Indiana, Tara and husband Brian Bright, Lowell, Indiana, grandchildren, Brian Bright, Sharon Bright, Bobby Bright, Linda Burns, Nick Burns, and Luke Montgomery, all of Lowell, Indiana, mother, Evelyn Burns, Rochester, Indiana, sisters, Dianne and husband Earl Roe, Rochester, Indiana, Darlene Houser and husband Rod Runyan, De Motte, Indiana, Patty and husband Joe Brady, Rochester, Indiana and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, brother-in-law, Ben Houser and uncle “Beanie” Burns.

Memorial services will be conducted at 6:00 P.M. Monday December 11, 2017 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Friends may visit from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at Athens Cemetery, Athens, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joe Burns Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

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