David R. Burns

David R. “Ginge” “Dick” Burns, 84, of Fremont, OH, surrounded by family in his home, was called to the Lord on Monday, May 5, 2025. He was born on August 28, 1940 in Fremont, OH to Robert and Esther (Mitchell) Burns. David was a 1958 graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School. He then went on to serve in the Ohio Air National Guard.

David married Brenda “Kathy” (Ferguson) Duty on May 4, 1979, at St. Joseph Catholic Church and she preceded him in death on December 11, 2021. After high school he went on to join the family business Burns Iron and Metal where he was a crane operator for over forty years and was the current president and owner. David is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a former member of the Fremont Moose Lodge, V.F.W. and Eagles.

David had a passion for fast cars, especially classic cars, particularly Ford. He loved going for rides in his ’32 Ford Coupe’ and ’51 Ford Custom. David was a collector of Cushman and Silver Pigeon scooters, Whizzers and bicycles. He also enjoyed fishing, collecting coins, stamps, trains, and many other “treasures.” David never passed up an opportunity to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland baseball. He loved all animals especially his cat, Miss Bitey, “Lucy”.

David was an amazing storyteller but an even better listener. He was a wonderful confidant and counselor, supporting and loving his children unconditionally. He was respected by all who worked for him, treating them often times like family. To know him was to love him. David was gentle and kind and always a gentleman who will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his children Stephen (Qiujie) Burns, Fremont, OH, Christine Burns, Fremont, OH, Denise Boerst, Maumee, OH, Laura (Eric) Biel, Oregon, OH and Beth (Fernando) Reyes, Fremont, OH, James (Tracey) Duty, Reading, PA; grandchildren, David (Brandi), Samantha, Stephanie, Amanda, Abbey, Cyle (Chrissy), Derek (Hannah), Madeline, Caleb, Lindsay (Logan), Kylie (Jeffery), Andrew, Ethan, Molly, Jordan, Jaron, Jelena; sister, Judy Sevitts and nineteen great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathy Burns; infant son, Aaron Michael Burns; infant sister, Helen Rose Burns; siblings, Robert “Bill” Burns, Tom Burns, Ruth Hakes and Jean Forsythe.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and his caregivers for their loving support over the years.

Visitation will take place on Thursday May 8, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH 43420 with a vigil at 7:30 p.m.

Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials can be made in David’s honor to St. Joseph Church, the Liberty Center or the Humane Society of Sandusky County.