Randolph "Randy" K. Burns

Randolph "Randy" K. Burns, 78, of Fredonia, Kansas passed away after a short illness with his family by his side on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Morningstar Care Home in Fredonia. 

Randy was born on January 9, 1946, in Neodesha, Kansas to Francis A. Burns and Treva Alice (Lee) Burns. He married the love of his life, Nancy Smith, on August 20, 1966, at Neodesha, Kansas. 

Randy devoted an impressive 39 years of his life to educating young minds. Beginning with teaching 2 years at Southeast of Saline High School, Assaria, Kansas, and the remaining 37 years at Fredonia High School, Fredonia, Kansas. His impact on countless students throughout his career is immeasurable.

Educated and accomplished, Randy graduated from Neodesha High School in 1964 before earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State Teachers College at Emporia in 1968. He continued his academic pursuit by obtaining a Master of Science degree from the same institution in 1971. 

Randy's hobbies included building and enjoying custom and classic cars and attending car shows with friends. He also enjoyed collecting and listening to music, dancing, traveling, and sharing local history with others. Some of his most cherished memories of his youth were attending Boys State and participating in a National Boy Scout Jamboree. He greatly enjoyed taking students to Close Up Kansas and Close Up Washington D.C.

Known for his wit, humor, and unwavering passion for education, Randy was not only a beloved teacher, but also a loving husband to Nancy (Smith) Burns; a devoted father to two children, Roger Burns (Corina Stoicescu) of Sebastopol, California, Sherri Strawn (Jim) of Derby, Kansas; three grandchildren, Reed Strawn, Jessica Gable (Josh), and Gavin Strawn; and sister-in-law, Linda Burns, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis "Pinky" A. Burns and Treva Alice Burns, and his brother, Robert Allen Burns.

Randolph "Randy" K. Burns will be deeply missed by all the countless people whose lives he touched. His love, kindness, knowledge, wisdom, and sense of humor will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace knowing that he has left an indelible mark on this world through his dedication to education and love for his family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Wickham Family Funeral Home, Fredonia, Kansas. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the First Christian Church, Fredonia, Kansas. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrance gifts are suggested to be made to the Randolph K. Burns Scholarship Fund, Fredonia Education Foundation. They may be left at or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 510 North 7th, Fredonia, Kansas 66736.