Mr. Carl W. Burns, 78, a veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away April 29, 2016. He was born December 10, 1937 a son of Maceo and Beatrice (Henry) Burns. Carl was a devoted father, a hunting enthusiast, and a longtime activist for employment and civil rights. Carl attended St. John Missionary Baptist Church and was an active member in the Photography Ministry, as well as an Executive member of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP. He leaves to cherish his memory his companion, Myrna Embry; sons, Gerald Johnson (San Diego, CA), John Burns (Hyattsville, MD), and Chris Johnson (step son); daughters, Yvonne Thevenot (North Bergen, NJ) and Rochelle Johnson (step daughter); brother, George Burns (Springfield, OH); sister, Marlene Edwards (Springfield, OH); nieces, Jo Karen Rhone and Melissa Phillips and nephews, John Kent Edwards and Byron Sims; grandchildren, Gina Smith-Harper, Jazmyn Gaines-Burns, Blaise Thevenot and a host of other relatives and friends. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Darlene Burton Smith; brother, John Luther Burns; sisters, Joanne Burns and Louise Burns and grandchild, Hélène Thevenot. A memorial service for Mr. Burns will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 3:00pm in the St. John MBC with Pastor Ernest C. Brown, Sr. officiating.