Gary Burns Obituary (1952 - 2026)

Gary Wayne Burns, age 73, passed away on August 20, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio. He was born on October 21, 1952, in Bremerton, Washington, to Wayne and Hazel Burns. Gary dedicated his life to family, service, and ministry, touching countless lives throughout his remarkable 46-year career. Gary grew up in Walla Walla, Washington, and later moved to Kettering, Ohio, where he graduated from Spring Valley Academy in 1971. He pursued higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University) in Maryland in 1975. During high school and college years, Gary developed a passion for film and communication. In 1998, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Andrews University in Michigan. His journey in ministry began as an associate pastor in Warminster, Pennsylvania. As his career progressed, he skillfully intertwined his passions for ministry and communication. Gary's professional legacy included significant roles at Kettering Medical Center, where he innovatively connected the hospital to the communities through media, and teaching positions at Full Sail University. He led Life Productions in Florida, before returning to pastoral roles in Ohio. He served as a youth pastor at Pioneer Memorial Church, a chaplain and youth pastor at Dakota Adventist Academy, youth and young adult Director for the Dakota Conference and the Communication Director for the Lake Union Conference, leaving a lasting impact on the Lake Union Herald. In addition to his profound influence on the community, Gary enjoyed fishing, camping, billiards, horses and music. He was particularly passionate about playing the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and dulcimer, sharing his joyful spirit with those around him. Above all, Gary was known for his unwavering commitment to sharing God’s love in transformative and uplifting ways, especially with his family. He was a loving father to his daughter, Josie, and his sons, Tyler (Lacey) and Ryan. He is survived by his mother, Hazel Burns; his younger sister, Teri Burns Webster; and his grandchildren, Brylee, Lexi, and Colbe (Tyler). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Maryann, and his father, Wayne. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Spring Valley Academy Worthy Student Fund, honoring Gary's dedication to education and youth ministry. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM on November 7, 2026, at the Dale Wright Memorial Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Germantown, Ohio. Gary's legacy of faith, dedication, and inspiration will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.