Thomas C. Burns

Thomas “Tommy” Clayton Burns of Somerset, KY passed away on March, 21 2023 at the age of 76. He was born in Somerset, KY on June 16, 1946 to Thomas Carl Burns and Nellie May Swartz Burns Johnson.

He was a member of High Street Baptist Church and retired from East Kentucky Power - Cooper Power Station with 32 years of service. He was a US Navy Veteran having served on the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier (CVA-34) during the Vietnam war. He was a true servant of God. He was active with Helping Hammers building many handicap ramps and doing repairs on homes. He went on many mission trips with KBC Disaster Relief and he belonged to the Masonic Lodge, chapter 111 of Somerset.

He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and going to all of the grandchildren’s ball games, whether it was a softball, basketball or dance recitals. He enjoyed camping, fishing and teaching his grandkids the fine art of fishing and how to warm up their fishing bait. He loved to pull pranks on them.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Marilyn Fuller Burns; sons Thomas “Toby” C. Burns Jr. and Tina of San Antonio, TX; James Douglas “Doug” Burns and Tammy of Science Hill, KY; stepson Scott Keeney and Jennifer of Floral City, FL; stepdaughter Martina Keeney-Martinson and Monte of Alexandria, MN; daughter-in-law Melissa Howard Keeney of Bronston, KY; seven grandchildren Kelli & (Tyler) Dingle, Abigail “Abbey” Burns, Emily Burns, Seth Keeney, Sarah Keeney, Cora Keeney and Emma Keeney. He is also survived by one sister Margaret Calder (Don) of Somerset, KY and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Polly Jane (Perkins) Burns who passed away on March 22, 1999, brother Joe & Brenda Burns, and sister Shirley & Johnny Bowling, an infant brother Robert Clayton Burns.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 26 th from 4–8 pm at Pulaski Funeral Home. Masonic and military services will be at 10:30 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 on Monday, March 27 th with Bro. Ed Amundson officiating. 

Pallbearers are Eddie Hudson, Bobby Hall, Matthew Perkins, Chad Williams, Kenny Shepherd, Jessie Bingham and honorary pallbearers: Kelli & (Tyler) Dingle, Seth Keeney, Abbey Burns, Sarah Keeney, Emily Burns, Cora Keeney, Emma Keeney and Donovan Hurt. 

Military honors will be conducted by Post 38. Burial will follow at Lakeside Memorial Gardens.