Cletis L. Burns

Cletis L. Burns died on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Missouri Veterans home at the age of 84. Cletis was born on April 3, 1921, in Cedar County, Mo., to Lawerence and Clara Crane Burns. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Zolena Burns.

Early in life Cletis acquired the nickname of "Fat." His greatest passions where farming and playing ball. He pitched for several area ball teams for a number of years. Fat and his five brothers and other family members had their own ball team for several years. When Fat was no longer able to complete with the younger guys in playing baseball he turned to playing horseshoes and bowling. He won several horse pitching tournaments. Fat loved to plant and watch his crops growing and watching the baby calves in his pastures. Cletis answered the call of his country during World War II and spent three years in the Army in the South Pacific.

Survivors include his daughter Sue Eason and husband Loren of Sheldon, Mo.; and son Gary Burns and wife Stephanie of Midland, Mich.; two sisters, Gladys Roe of Liberty, Mo., and Aileen Lines and husband Claude of Kansas City, Mo.; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Ray, Cecil, Elmer, Willie, and Alton; and three sisters Bertha, Golden, and Ruby.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., March 1, at Brumback Funeral Home in Stockton, Mo.