Carlton Lee Burns

Burns, Carlton Lee, Col., U.S.A.F. ret., 95, of Chandler, AZ went to be with his Lord on May 30, 2013. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ruth; five children: Judy Larry Sagen, Denny Deborah Burns, David Theresa Burns, Cecelia George Pandel, Cynthia Steve Dozier; 15 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his youngest son, Darryl. Carl was born in Barnard, Missouri on August 5, 1917, the son of Clay Denny and Mary Lavona Burns, and raised in Pomona, California. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, and served 55 missions as a P-38 pilot in Europe, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and five Air Medals. He also flew transports in the Berlin Airlift. He was awarded the Legion of Merit in 1969. He served 27 years in the Air Force and retired in 1969. He was active in the Payson Humane Society, and cared for his wife who suffers from dementia. A memorial service will be held at 10 AM June 8, 2013 at Meldrum Mortuary with a viewing at 9AM. Reception following at Hampton Inn, Mesa. Interment at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix.