Robert William Burns, 41, was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. His last moments were spent with the love of his life, Jennifer, where they were able to express their eternal love, affection, and appreciation for one another just moments before he left his earthly home.
Robert Burns was born on December 30, 1979. He grew up in Longview, Texas, a place he was proud to call home. As a young boy Robert enjoyed exploring his musical talents with the baritone, playing soccer, and hanging out with his friends. His charismatic personality and optimistic outlook on life made him loved by many.
Robert was a very proud man, but his greatest accomplishments didn’t come in the form of an award, but rather in every heartbeat of his greatest blessings, Shaun and Gentry. From the moment he first became a father 16 years ago, his world revolved around the safety, well-being, and happiness of his children. He would brag on them at every opportunity and radiated with pride and joy at the mere mention of their names. Being Shaun and Gentry’s father was the greatest honor of his life, and one he never took for granted.
His world became complete nearly 10 years ago when he met the love of his life, Jennifer Cates. Their love story was one to be envied by many, a true partnership. Robert’s love and admiration for Jennifer was evident from the moment they met. They were simply smitten with one another. Though it was cut short, the amount of love they experienced in their 10 years together was more than some have in an entire lifetime. They were each other’s one true love, best friend, confidant, and soul mate. To be loved the way they loved each other is something many can only wish for. A true, real life fairytale.
Robert had many passions in his life. Through the good and bad seasons, he remained a faithful supporter of his beloved Texas Longhorns, which would make for fun family functions with his Arkansas Razorback loving in-laws. Robert didn’t just love sports, he loved spending time with his family and friends at the Texas Renaissance Festival, was a Star Wars fanatic, and loved everything Harley Davidson. You could often find Robert and Jennifer cruising the roads on a beautiful Saturday afternoon on his Harley. Going for rides on his bike was a sense of therapy for Robert where his mind was clear, his heart was full, and the overall sense of peace encompassed him. Those are some of the moments that Robert and Jennifer cherished most.
Though Robert will be greatly missed, and thought of often, his memory and legacy will carry on through his family, children, and many friends whose lives were touched by such an amazing man.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Betty and Louis Landry, and his father-in-law, Eddie Cates.
He is survived by his loving wife Jennifer Burns of Kilgore, TX; son Shaun (16) and daughter Gentry (13) of Marshall, TX; bonus children Tay Charlton of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Kobey Charlton of Fort Lewis, Tacoma Washington, and Alyssa Charlton of Goodyear, Arizona; parents, David and Janice Johnson of Fort Worth, TX; sister and PamelBardwell and her husband Walter of Fort Worth, TX; mother-in-law Kim Cates, brother-in-law’s Matthew Cates and Corey Cates, and sister-in-law Brooke Cates all of Longview, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many beloved extended family and friends.
A visitation will be held in the Garden Court of The Cammack Family's Welch Funeral Home in Longview, Texas, Wednesday, March 17th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Life Celebration will be held on Thursday, March 18th, at 2:00 in the Chapel of Welch Funeral Home. Robert’s family and friends are invited to come and celebrate this amazing husband, father, son, and friend with those closest to him.
Robert was blessed with some amazing men in his life who will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family would like to send a special thanks and appreciation to Shaun Burns, Dalton Sears, Rusty Murphy, Bret Lynn, Chad Gauthier, and Richard Bigham.