Richard D. Burns, 44, Pyrites

Richard D. Burns, age 44, passed away on September 3, 2011 at the home of his mother, Judy Towne, under the care of his mother, wife and Hospice.

Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Edwards on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. His funeral service will follow on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. William Hart officiating. Burial will be in the South Russell Cemetery.

Rich was born on June 6, 1967 in Gouverneur to Judy (Towne) Burns and the late Earl Burns, Jr. He attended the Clifton-Fine Central School and served in the U.S. Army from 1989 until being discharged from the Reserves in 1997. Rich earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Mr. Burns worked construction and was a member of the Labor Union. He grew up in Fine and Edwards, spent most of his adult life in Tennessee, and came back to the North Country four years ago. He married Tammy LaPlant on December 24, 2009 in South Russell. Rich enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting and NASCAR.

His survivors include his mother, Judy Towne of Russell; his wife, Tammy of Pyrites; brother Carl (Kathy) Burns of Fowler; sister Shelby Bristol of Virginia; sons Evin of Kodak, TN and Tim of Austin, TX; daughters, Kylie, Hannah, and Amanda Burns of Austin, TX; two step-children, Samantha Kroniser and Richard LaPlant; and his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his father, Earl Burns, Jr.; his step father, Stanley Morse; and grandparents, Ruth and Earl Burns Sr., and Charles and Lena Towne.