Michael Robert Burns

Michael Robert Burns, 41, went home to be with the Lord on 5/15/2016. He was at home and surrounded by loved ones, in Liberty Township, Ohio. He was born on 12/26/1974 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Robert and Barbara Burns. Mike grew up in West Chester, Ohio and graduated from Lakota High School in 1993. After high school he attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and graduated in 1997 in which he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science, Systems Analysis. Although Mike would say that he was quiet in school he left with lifelong friends from high school and college who continually bless our family. After College Mike was employed by Deloitte, MeadWestvaco, and he spent the remainder of his career working for Luxottica as the Senior Director of Technical Services of North America. He was not only passionate about his career with Luxottica, but he also pursued and enjoyed giving back through Luxottica Group Foundation, OneSight. This took him to India (2010) and South Africa (2013). Mike also served our local community by mentoring students at Withrow High School and he organized and captained the Cycle of Sight team which provided vision care to local students through OneSight. Mike was married to the love of his life, Jena Burns, on September 16, 2000 at United Methodist Church in Hyde Park. Mike and Jena first met at Hopewell Elementary School during their second grade year, they had a brief love affair in the fifth grade, and attended one home coming dance together in high school in which Mike shut the car door on Jena’s hair. The magic really began when they reconnected in 1998. They dated for a year before Mike proposed in San Francisco in 1999. This was just the beginning of more love to come. Mike and Jena have three children, Nathan (13), Emma (11) and Aubrey (8). They have spent their time together laughing, loving, and creating beautiful memories. There is not enough room to list Mike’s accomplishments in his role as daddy. He will always be remembered as a devoted, compassionate, and patient father who led with his sense of humor and quick wit. If you know Mike’s kids, you will know how much he loved them. Mike will be missed by many more, including, his father Robert Burns and his fiancé, Kim Keller. His brother, Bob Burns, and his wife Katrina and their three children Sammi, Bobby, and Ryan. His sister, Debbie Burns, and her fiancé, Ryan Dooley, and Debbie’s two daughters, Caley and Courtney. Mike will also be missed by his mother-in-law, Pat Peck and her husband Gary Peck, Jena’s father Hobb Santel and his wife Bev Santel. The cousin of Jena, Leeza Garza and her two sons, Jayden and Jackson Winter. Not to mention many other family members and friends. Mike’s last year has been quite a journey. This may be hard to believe, but he was actually thankful for the experience and he hoped he could inspire just one other person during his storm. Mike has learned of the beauty of others, the beauty of family and the beauty of faith. If Mike could share one thing right now, he would want you to know that he became a different person this past year as he surrendered himself to the love of Jesus Christ. He took his last breath in great faith knowing he would be rescued in the arms of his savior. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Center Pointe Christian Church at 6:00 p.m. 5962 Hamilton-Mason Road, Liberty Township, OH 45011. Doors will be open at 5:00 p.m. to extend love to Jena Burns. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to their GoFundMe account. This fund is designated to cover cost of medical expenses. All remaining funds will be used to establish a foundation in honor of Mike Burns at a future date. You can make a donation online at www.gofund.me/ax4xx3wv or you can also make donations on the evening of the Celebration of Life service via check or cash.