David Lee Burns, 85, of St. Louis, passed away peacefully at home on February 8, 2021, surrounded by his beloved family, after a year-long struggle with dementia.

He was born to Norman and Bernice Burns on February 28, 1935, in Belleville, Illinois. David graduated from Brentwood High School, and studied Chemistry at Washington University’s evening college.

David is survived by Nancy, his devoted wife of 59 years; and children Laura (Frank Romano) Burns and Sharon (Neelan) Choksi; along with grandchildren Reid, Clark, and Grace Gericke and Maya and Jaiden Choksi; plus his brother Robert (Marsha) Burns. David was predeceased by two of his children Diane Burns (Hector Linares) and David M. Burns.

Dave was a prolific family photographer. A pro at home movies and slide shows, he eschewed the digital camera era and let Nancy take over the photography. As a father, he spent many years coaching his children’s teams in softball, volleyball, and basketball as well as coaching other area youth basketball teams. And he never met a car nor appliance he couldn’t fix.

An avid sports fan, Dave could always be found watching a sporting event on television – from his favorite St. Louis Cardinals, to the women’s UConn basketball team, where he did not want to miss a single game of their 111-game winning streak. As a player, Dave spent a lot of time on the basketball court in high school and then on St. Francis of Assisi men’s teams, and was most proud of pitching in the Kirkwood Softball League through his late 70s.

He and Nancy loved visiting Colorado and numerous state parks in the surrounding area. His favorite was Meramec Spring. Dave’s highlight trip was to Scandinavia with his whole family in 2000.

No memorial service is planned at this time; more information for a celebration of life to follow when circumstances allow. The family wishes that any memorial contributions be made to Mercy Health Foundation Hospice at https://mercyhealthfoundation.net/communities/south/. Please select Hospice/de Greef Hospice House. Checks may be mailed to Mercy Health Foundation South, 10010 Kennerly Road, St. Louis, MO 63128.