Thomas W. Burns, 58, Avid Ohio State Buckeyes Fan

Mr. Burns was born on July 1, 1950 in Mount Pleasant, PA to the late James W. and Helen P. (Nee Hovanec) Burns.

He has lived in the Lorain area for more than 50 years. He was a 1968 graduate of Brookside High School and attended Lorain County Community College for two years. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving during the Viet Nam era.

Mr. Burns had been employed at Ford Motor Corp in Avon. He was a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Amvets Post 47, and the United Auto Workers Union.

He was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and loved to play golf. He enjoyed music especially the performer Neil Diamond.

He is survived by his daughters Nikki (Nick) Dertouzos of Avon, Mandy Burns of Lorain, Holly (Dave) Smith also of Lorain, grandchildren Benjamin Dertouzos, Gabby Smith, Michael Dertouzos, Tommy Evans, Carley Evans, Breanna Rupert, Chris Smith, Adam Smith, his brother retired US Army Colonel James (Sharron) Burns of Charlotte, North Carolina and sister Elizabeth Torres of Lorain.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Beth Ann (nee Merry) Burns on April 19, 2004.

Friends may call on Monday, May 11, 2009 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain. A Celebration of his Life will follow visitation on Monday evening at 8 p.m. with Rev. Jimmy Madsen, co-pastor of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating.

Burial will be private in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery near Seville, Ohio.

The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Hospice, c/o Community Heath Partners Foundation, 3700 Kolbe Road, Lorain, Ohio 44053 or First Lutheran Evangelical Church, 603 Washington Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 in his honor.

Online condolences at www.boyer-cool.com.