Denver L. Burns

Denver L. Burns, 84, of Portland, died Saturday, January 7, 2023, at his residence in Portland. Mr. Burns was a native of Hector, Arkansas and a resident of Portland for over 80 years where he attended Portland High School and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Mr. Burns worked as a farm equipment mechanic for John Deere for 38 years. He enjoyed the scenic views of Lake Wilson and would often ride around in the evenings with his puppies. In addition, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Ruth Turner Burns in 2006; two sons, Ronnie Burns and Michael Burns; a grandson, Caleb Michael Spaulding; his parents, R.Q. and Idell Collins Burns and two brothers, Robert “Booster” Burns and James N. Burns.

He is survived by a son, James Burns and wife, Billie Jean; a daughter, Patricia Spaulding and husband, Robert, all of Portland; two grandchildren, Ashley Zebley and husband, Matt, of Norwood, Pennsylvania and Taylor Spaulding and wife, Amber, of Portland; five great-grandchildren, Ellison, Hadley, Emry, Layla, and William.

Funeral services are 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with Bro. Robin Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Pallbearers are James Spaulding, Jadon Spaulding, Taylor Young, Darren Johnson, C.J. Riordan, Joseph Peacock, George Rutledge, and Bud Henderson. Honorary pallbearers are Ronnie Kelley, Franklin Ricks, and Rodney Ricks. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, or to the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Association, c/o Keith Ladd, 186 Ashley Road 121, Hamburg, AR  71646. 

Visitation will be 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.