Robert Samuel Burns

Robert Samuel Burns, a native Houstonian, died May 1, 2018. He was born on July 8, 1936 to Marguerite and Clifford Burns, and lived most of his young years in West University Place with his younger brother, Fred and sister, MaryBeth.

He attended Lamar High School Where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. After, accepting a baseball scholarship to Rice University where he lettered for three years. He then served as an officer in the US Army Corp of Engineers for two years and remained in the Army Reserves. Bob was recalled during the Cuban Crisis and served an additional year.

Bob moved his family to Beaumont and proceeded to help his father-in-law establish, Maes Discount Grocery stores. Some years later when they were sold, he became a Real Estate Broker. He began his real estate career with Terry and Co., which eventually became, American Real Estate. Having established himself in property management, he opened his own company, Burns Real Estate, which later became Hare, Burns, & Osborne. In 1996, the present Burns Properties, Inc., was established. He served a number of years as President. After retirement, his son Andrew Burns became President. During Bob’s tenure he was appointed by the Texas Association of Realtors as Region 9 representative for three years. His real estate career was enhanced by serving as an adjunct teacher of real estate at Lamar University. His service included President of the Apartment Association of Southeast Texas and President of the Beaumont Board of Realtors.

Bob was also a member of downtown Rotary Club for many years and was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

A lifetime interest in sports, he was very active in the West End Little League, as a coach, umpire and numerous Board positions including Board President. He was an inspiration to many young players including his sons, Steve and Andy, many of their friends, and his grandsons.

There was nothing more precious to him than his family, friends and his time spent serving in numerous positions at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Those included, committee chairmanships, deacon and elder.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite and Clifford Burns and survived by his wife Colleen Maes Burns; daughter, Karen Burns Pipkin and her husband, Dr. Charles Stuart Pipkin, III.; sons, Steven Maes Burns and his wife, Clare Duffy Burns; Andrew Robert Burns and his wife, Mitzi Marino Burns; brother, Frederick C. Burns and sister, MaryBeth Spikerman and her husband, John Spikerman.

Surviving are his grandchildren, Charles Stuart Pipkin, IV., Kyle Robert Pipkin and his wife, Caitlin Takahashi Pipkin; Payton Elizabeth Burns, Katherine Ann Burns, Andrew Robert Burns, Jr., and Elizabeth Ann Burns.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and friends whom loved him dearly.

Pallbearers are his beloved grandsons.

Interment will be at Glenwood Cemetery at a later date.

A funeral service for Mr. Burns will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, with a gathering of his family and friends to follow at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Parlor. Cremation arrangements will be under the direction of Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.

Contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or to the Rice University Baseball Program-Department of Athletics/MS548, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005.