Henry Clay Burns Jr. Obituary (1920 - 2019)

Henry Clay Burns, 99, of Enumclaw passed away peacefully at his home November 12, 2019. Hank was born in Harrisburg, Illinois to Henry Sr. and Ora Sprague Burns on October 17, 1920. One of six children, he left home at age 18 to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) before joining the Army the following year. During WWII he served with Company A 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion and landed on Utah Beach on D-Day. Being stationed at Ft. Lewis during the beginning of his service time, Hank decided to move to Washington after the end of the war. In 1963 Hank married Janet and they built a home in Kent. He worked as a carpenter for many years and retired at age 62. Hank enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing, camping, golf with good friends, growing an amazing garden each year and spending time with family and friends. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, infectious laugh, detailed storytelling and love for his family. Henry leaves behind his wife, Janet of 56 years; daughter, Becky; stepdaughters, Karen, Nanette and JoAnne; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and many other extended family members. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 20th at Tahoma National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow beginning at 11:00 AM at Lake Wilderness Lodge. Family requests any donations to be made to Disabled American Veterans or Union Gospel Mission of Seattle.