Gerald Burns

Gerald David Burns, 81, of Haskell, Arkansas passed away October 13, 2021.  He was born January 29, 1940 in Hillsboro, Ohio to the late Bernie Oliver and Wanda Mae (Henson) Burns.

Gerald loved his family and his motorcycle.  He was very playful and liked to laugh and make others laugh also.  He was a prankster who enjoyed playing jokes on others.  Gerald was very creative and was a talented artist and welder.  His daughters cherish the several fishing trips they went on with Gerald.  Gerald was a hard-working family man, affectionately referred to as “Papa.”

Preceding Gerald in death are his parents; and siblings:  Odell Burns, Royce Burns, and Mary Marsh.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of forty-eight years, Jessie “Faye” Burns of Haskell, Arkansas; children:  David Russell Phillips and wife (Rose) of California, Michael Patrick Phillips of California, Melissa Earnest and husband Randall of Benton, Arkansas, Matthew Douglas Burns of Haskell, Arkansas, and Laura Smith and husband Gary of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; grandchildren:  Jacan Earnest, Tierney Earnest, Rayne Burns, Kyle Burns, River Swartz, Chloe Smith, Jasper Smith, and Owen Smith; siblings:  Bernie, Margaret, Betty, Bonnie, Barbara, Jerry, and Eugene; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who love Gerald and will miss him always.

Family will hold memorial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the family at Smith-Benton Funeral Home.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.