Paul Francis Burns

Paul Francis Burns, age 90, of Tecumseh, passed away peacefully September 4, 2014 at home, with his family at his side. He was born July 22, 1924, in Auburn, Mass., the son of Thomas and Sylvia (Mondor) Burns. Paul was a graduate of Michigan State University with numerous degrees.Paul followed his love of horticulture by caring for various lawns of public buildings in Tecumseh. He also loved riding his motorcycle and toured 49 of the 50 states. Paul was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Tecumseh. He was a lifelong teacher at Tecumseh High School. Through his teaching and involvement in FFA, he influenced three generations of farmers.Paul was a World War II Veteran serving in the United States Navy.Paul is survived by his wife, Grace, of 65 years; 12 children, Mary (Jose) Basterra, Paul Jr. (Cindy), Gregory (Sheri), Joseph (Caron), John, Margaret (Greg) Kerbawy, Grace (Ralph) Whelihan, Ann (Jed) Dingens, Cathleen, David, and Robert (Jenny); 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Lorraine, Elaine, Sylvia, Mary (John); two brothers, Thomas (Ailene) and Robert (Bev).He was preceded in death by his son Peter; daughter-in-law, Linda; sister, Cecil; and brother, Francis.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Tecumseh, with the Rev. Fr. Daniel Wheeler officiating. Interment will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh. Visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church with a Scripture Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Arrangements by J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh.Condolences may be offered online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.