Harold Dean Burns - Obituary

arold Dean Burns, age 97, passed away peacefully on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, faith, family, and cherished memories. To those who knew and loved him, he was known by many names—Dad, Burns, Harold, Father, Jeff, Burnsie, and Mr. B—each one holding a special place in the hearts of those who loved him. For 72 years, Harold shared his life with his beloved wife, Lucille. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, love, and countless memories that will be treasured for generations. Harold's faith was at the heart of who he was. He was the oldest founding Charter member of Concordia Lutheran Church, where he remained a faithful member for 53 years. He was affectionately known as the “Father of Concordia Lutheran Church” and proudly served as Chief Elder and as the Chairman of the Concordia Church School Board. His church was more than a place of worship—it was a community he helped build, a family he cherished, and an important part of his life and legacy. His love and devotion to the children of the school continues to live on in their hearts and souls, as they have grown into adults with families of their own, carrying his memory and the legacy of his love throughout the community and beyond. Harold believed in the value of hard work and service. He dedicated more than 42 years to caring for others through his work at the Veterans Administration Hospital and the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic at Joint Base Andrews Air Force Base. His dedication and dependability were simply part of the man he was. Harold loved the simple things in life, especially golf, baseball, fishing, and his Washington Redskins, now the Washington Commanders. He was a season-ticket holder for many years and enjoyed cheering for his team through every season. When he wasn’t watching a game, he loved being outdoors, whether out on the water fishing or simply finding peace in nature. As the years slowed his pace, his joys became a little quieter, but just as exciting. He spent his afternoons watching the birds on his live bird cam feeder on his iPad. Naturally, the clever squirrels and the occasional curious deer figured out how to join the feast at the birdhouse, adding a bit of daily excitement that always brought a smile to his face. But above all, Harold loved his family. He treasured being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and took great joy in watching his family grow. He leaves them a legacy of faith, love, hard work, commitment and the importance of staying close to those you love. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Bera Riggs Burns and Lewis Henry Burns, and his only sibling, Lewis Henry Burns Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lucille; their children, Keith Burns, Gail Burns Fulcher, Terrie Burns Hairston, and Saundra Burns Sullivan; 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; along with extended family and dear friends who were blessed to know and love him. Harold will be deeply missed, but his family finds comfort in knowing that after 97 years of life, a lifetime of faith and service, and 72 years of marriage, he is now resting peacefully in the loving arms of his Savior. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23 In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Harold’s memory with a gift to the Building Fund at Concordia Lutheran Church, his beloved church home for 53 years. Concordia Lutheran Church Livestream to begin at 10:45 A.M. : Harold Burns Funeral Livestream Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Harold's Life Celebration on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 10 A.M. until the start of the service at 11:15 A.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Burial to follow at Harmony Memorial Park, 7101 Sheriff Road, Hyattsville MD, 20785.