Obituary of Merlin R. Burns

Merlin R. Burns, 91, of Cty. Rte. 27, Stephens Gulch Rd., passed away Friday, March 17, 2017 at the ELCOR Nursing Home Facility in Horseheads where he had resided since 2014. Merlin was born December 13, 1925 in the town of Howard to the late Harry and Susan Burns. He was predeceased by his first wife Fern Arlene Burns in February of 1985, a brother: Kenneth Burns and two sisters: Alta Crosby and Erma Brundage. On January 1, 1994 in Addison he married Velma Cole who survives and resides in Horseheads. Merlin was a life long resident of the Howard area where he made his living as a milk inspector for Crowley Foods, Inc. of Arkport. He was also proprietor of Magic Motors Car Sales on the Stephens Gulch Rd. Merlin’s other interests included bowling and hunting and fishing with his family and friends. In addition to his wife Velma, Merlin is survived by a son Jerry Burns of Howard, four step-children: Steven (Linda) Hovey of Corning, Carolyn (Jerry) Hovey-Sink of West End, N.C. Michael Hovey of Addison and Lucinda (David) Hovey-Whitney of Bath. Merlin is also survived by a sister Vera Spears of Bath, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1-3 Tuesday, March 21 at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo, where funeral and committal services will take place immediately following calling hrs. at 3:00 pm with Pastor Daniel Pickering officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Knoxville, Pa. Memorial contributions in Merlin Burns’ name may be made to the Howard Vol. Fire Dept. 3622 Cty. Rte. 70A, Avoca, N.Y. 14809.