BLOOMINGTON - Charles "Chuck" William Burns, 86, of Bloomington, went home to be with his savior on October 1, 2024. Chuck was born on May 13, 1938 in Decatur. He was the son of Raymond and Marie Burns and brother to Sally, Sue and George.
Chuck grew up in Decatur and graduated from Lakeview High School. He was active in student government as well as athletics. He was the captain of the basketball team and also played football and baseball for Lakeview. The most memorable thing to happen during his years at Lakeview was meeting and falling in love with Sandra "Sandy" Dennis who would become his wife of 64 years.
Chuck attended Millikin University and was the president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He graduated with a degree in engineering administration.
On June 18, 1960 Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Dennis. They went on to have four children, Brian (Melanee) Burns, Wheaton, Bill (Nancy) Burns, Cary, North Carolina, Brad (Julie) Burns, Normal and Dana Burns of Bloomington.
Charles started his career working for General Motors before returning home to work in the commercial plumbing and heating industry. He started C. W. Burns Co. in Decatur in 1976 and the business is still thriving 48 years later as his son, Brian, and grandson, Daniel, continue the business in the Chicago suburbs.
In the 1990's Chuck and two partners started HGB Properties developing and owning hotels in central Illinois and the Chicago area. Chuck and Sandy owned TCBY yogurt stores in the 1990's as well. Chuck 'retired' in 2017 but always had his infamous 'work list' directing him each day.
Chuck's most important and fun role was grandpa to Emily, Daniel, Katy, Alex, Josh, Maddy, Matthew, Luke, Jessica, Hannah and Connor. He was routinely in the stands cheering for them during their athletics and also teaching them the value of hard work and loving your family. Chuck was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Poppy, Charlotte, Jack, Noah, Asher, Grace and Arjun.
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