Obituary for Frank Burns
Dr. Frank Robert “Bob” Burns died Tuesday June 14, 2022. He was born March 4, 1939,
to Robert E. Burns and Agnes Gertrude Martin. He was raised in Olathe, Kan., Corpus Christi, Texas, and Kansas City, Kan.
He graduated from Turner High School in 1957, as class salutatorian and
a National Merit Scholar. In his salutatorian speech he showed a twinkling of the political beliefs
he would be so passionate about later in his life, the local paper quoted him as saying
“Democracy is our great heritage. We must not hesitate to defend, but we must learn to get
along with all people, as well as defend our privileges and opportunities.”
Bob studied pharmacy at The University of Kansas where he was a member of Triangle Fraternity, and later studied Dentistry at UMKC. In between his work as a pharmacist and his 40 plus years practicing dentistry, he served in the United States Airforce for four years. As a dentist he was a founding member of Heartland Dental Group, later moving to a solo practice, and after selling that practice in his seventies spent the next few years working in a clinic in Dodge City, Kan., because he wanted to serve those who were most in need. He loved his work and never stopped learning and growing in pursuit of service to others.
He was a lover of nature, science and practical jokes. He was a lifelong learner, an avid
photographer and a fantastic cook who loved to get together with family around a good meal.
Bob is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Caire Burns; his children, Garth Burns, Britt
(Christy) Burns and Phoebe (Brent) Leintz; step-daughters, Ariana Smith and Zoe (Ryan) Gordon; first cousins, Joy Wylie and John Wylie; and nine grandchildren. He will also be remembered by the countless patients whose lives he touched over the years with his care.
Bob wished to be cremated and for no service to be held.
to Robert E. Burns and Agnes Gertrude Martin. He was raised in Olathe, Kan., Corpus Christi, Texas, and Kansas City, Kan.
He graduated from Turner High School in 1957, as class salutatorian and
a National Merit Scholar. In his salutatorian speech he showed a twinkling of the political beliefs
he would be so passionate about later in his life, the local paper quoted him as saying
“Democracy is our great heritage. We must not hesitate to defend, but we must learn to get
along with all people, as well as defend our privileges and opportunities.”
Bob studied pharmacy at The University of Kansas where he was a member of Triangle Fraternity, and later studied Dentistry at UMKC. In between his work as a pharmacist and his 40 plus years practicing dentistry, he served in the United States Airforce for four years. As a dentist he was a founding member of Heartland Dental Group, later moving to a solo practice, and after selling that practice in his seventies spent the next few years working in a clinic in Dodge City, Kan., because he wanted to serve those who were most in need. He loved his work and never stopped learning and growing in pursuit of service to others.
He was a lover of nature, science and practical jokes. He was a lifelong learner, an avid
photographer and a fantastic cook who loved to get together with family around a good meal.
Bob is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Caire Burns; his children, Garth Burns, Britt
(Christy) Burns and Phoebe (Brent) Leintz; step-daughters, Ariana Smith and Zoe (Ryan) Gordon; first cousins, Joy Wylie and John Wylie; and nine grandchildren. He will also be remembered by the countless patients whose lives he touched over the years with his care.
Bob wished to be cremated and for no service to be held.