Jerry Lee Burns

BURNS, Jerry “Kojack”, age 77, of Kettering, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022. Jerry was born in Dayton, OH on June 10, 1944 to the late Robert and Pauline Burns. He graduated from Colonel White High School and attended Sinclair Community College, and night school at the University of Dayton. He joined the U.S. Army in 1962 and was stationed overseas during the Vietnam War.

Jerry had been affiliated with the Masonic Order for 56 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton, Antioch Shrine where he was a member of the Oriental Band for 34 years and acted as their Genie for 22 years. Jerry loved to please the children young and old during parades, leading the band and swinging his scimitar. Jerry was also a life time member of the Kettering American Legion, Post 598, Falcon Club member, and was also in the Society of the Mandarin Tong 5, Moose Lodge #1645, and Faith Lutheran Church. Jerry retired from NCR as Senior Buyer with 29 years of service and Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority with 15 years of service as Contracts and Procurement Manager.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Rebecca “Becky” Burns; sons, Robert (Dr. David Harper) Burns of Kettering, and Marcus (Kimberly) Burns of Kentucky; loving granddaughter, Kaylee Burns of Kentucky; sister, Connie Wright.

Jerry’s philosophy was “See me and enjoy our time together while my spirit is strong; not once it departs my lifeless body.”

A Memorial Service will be held 11AM on Friday, April 29 at ROUTSONG FUNERAL HOME, 2100 E STROOP RD, KETTERING. Family will greet friends following the service, until 2PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shriners Children’s Ohio, 1 Children's Plaza, Dayton, OH 45404.