Richard Douglas Burns

Day is done, gone the sun, from the lake, from the hill, from the sky. All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh. — "Taps"

Richard Douglas "Doug" Burns, age 73, passed in the early morning hours of Monday, December 20 at his home.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Tammy, two grown sons, Michael Paul and James Patrick, and their spouses, Samera and Michelle. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Duncan, Ian, Connor, Sean, and Jake Burns.
Doug was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served with distinction. Born in Gallipolis, Ohio, he grew up in Mason, West Virginia, one of eight sons and seven daughters of Paul Burns and Maxine Daugherty Burns. Surviving siblings include: Larry Burns, Edward Burns, Jon Burns, Cherie Rupe, Carla McKenny, Paula Burns, Janice Roush, Elizabeth Schoonover, and Susan Hall. He was preceded in death by siblings Roger Burns, Douglas Burns, Gary Burns, Jerry Burns and Sandra VanMetre.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961, serving over ten years with honor, including two tours in Vietnam, and achieving the rank of Sergeant. When asked, he said his real service began in October 1962 where he along with thousands of other Marines lay off the coast of Cuba for 72 days as part of President John F. Kennedy's invasion force during the Missile Crisis.
He received several commendations for his dedication and bravery including a citation for Meritorious Duty Under Enemy Fire, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Good Service Medal, among others. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marine Corps never left him, as friends and family will attest. Once a Marine, always a Marine.
As an experienced outdoorsman, Doug generously contributed his time and skill by volunteering as an Assistant Scout Master for his sons' Boy Scout Troop where he led trips to every corner of Arizona, from canoeing the lower Colorado River to gold panning the Bradshaw Mountains. In later years, he remained very active in Vietnam Veterans' groups whose members he considered his best friends on Earth. He retired eight years ago to his home in Chino Valley where he enjoyed an unobstructed view of the San Francisco Peaks and the surrounding hills and plains, relishing his final days as throughout his life, outdoors.
Semper Fi, Marine. You will be missed.