Daniel Thomas Burns passed away In Mt. Vernon, IL on January 11th 2022, he was 78 years old.
Daniel was born on February 6th, 1943, in Sandoval, IL to parents John and Freda (Porter) Burns. He lived in Sandoval until he graduated from Sandoval High School in 1962.
Daniel moved to Hodgkins, IL in 1966 then to Downers Grove, IL in August of 1972, and lived there during his 29-year career working for General Motors “EMD Division” in Lagrange, IL.
He loved his work (working on locomotives as an electrician) and never missed a day, he was a very hard worker, working every holiday, Saturday, and Sunday whenever overtime was available.
He loved his bowling league with friends on Thursday night at Rolling Lanes bowling alley in Countryside, IL. He was an excellent player, he won several tournaments in horseshoes, bowling, pool, and shuffleboard throughout the years.
Daniel loved watching old westerns always had the TV on the same western channels no matter what time of day. His favorite season was summer and he enjoyed being outside in the sun no matter how hot it was. His favorite hobby was mowing grass on his tractor. He would mow for hours at his home, at one of his properties, or for any other person for that matter. He loved playing cards with his friends from Sandoval in the mornings at Fats in Sandoval. He was beloved by all his friends.
His last trip was to Acapulco, Guerrero Mexico in 2019. He visited his son Daniel and his wife Merari, and his 3 youngest grandchildren for the first time. This meant so much to him to see them for the first time.
His favorite sports teams were the Chicago Bears football team and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He had an unwavering love for his cats and treated them like family.
Most of all Daniel was generous beyond belief. He never asked for anything, and he never complained about anything, but he was the first person to lend a hand, a tool, a word of advice, and even money to someone in need. His home was open to anyone.
Daniel is survived by his daughter Julie and son-in-law Len Buonincontro, of Oswego, IL; his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Merari Burns of Acapulco Guerrero, México; brother John of Carlyle, sisters Mary Saatkamp, Kay Cain, and Pat Bryan all from Sandoval. IL; grandchildren Vincenzo, Dominic and Sophia Buonincontro, Jade Erin and Daniela Ann, Daniel Thomas III and Sofia Danielle Burns; and countless nieces and nephews.
Daniel was preceded in death by his son Timothy J Burns; parents John and Freda Burns; sister-in-law Liz Burns; and brother Raymond.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval, IL Friends are welcome to a visitation time with the family from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Daniel’s honor to the Centralia Humane Society. Online condolences and memories of Daniel may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
