A Mass of Christian Burial, honoring the life of Mr. Kevin F. Burns, was celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Bassfield with interment following in the St. James Cemetery.

Mr. Burns, age 75, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at his home in Bassfield. 

Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

The Rosary Service began at 5 p.m. Monday evening, Aug. 26, at St. Peter Parish Hall, with the wake beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friends also called Tuesday morning, beginning at 9 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Mr. Burns was carried to his final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers; they included Sean Burns, John Burns, Justin Burns, Travis Smith, Pete Stephens, Ray Powell, Steve Gordon and Roland Harper. 

Honorary pallbearers were Willie Harper, Louis William King, William King, Hal “Moochie” Speights, Richard Frank Hathorn and Carey Holland.

Kevin, a cherished member of the Bassfield community, was a graduate of Bassfield High School. 

He will long be remembered as a skilled and meticulous homebuilding contractor. 

Having built many homes in Jefferson Davis and the surrounding counties, his craftsmanship and dedication to his work earned him the respect and admiration of those who knew him.

Outside of work, Kevin created countless memories with his family and friends. He found great joy in simple pleasures, whether it was riding leisurely through Bassfield and neighboring communities or welcoming friends for a visit as he sat on his porch.

Each Sunday evening, he and his beloved wife, Karen, continued a cherished tradition of spending time riding together throughout the county and surrounding areas, a testament to their enduring bond.

Kevin also nurtured a deep love for reading, particularly enjoying the adventurous tales of Louis L’Amour westerns and the suspense of John Grisham novels.  In addition, he also enjoyed watching westerns and episodes of Wheel of Fortune.  Yet, his greatest love of all resided in his role as “Pops” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

They will forever hold dear the memories of their biggest fan cheering them on in everything they were involved in.  His love for family was profound, and he made sure they felt it.

Kevin enjoyed planting a large garden whenever his health permitted, sharing the fruits of his labor—homegrown vegetables—with friends and neighbors alike.  He also derived much joy from tending to his cows and enjoying the country life. 

Mr. Burns was a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church.

Mr. Burns is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ambrosia Burns and his brothers, Neil Burns, Vincent Burns and James Burns.

His memory will forever be cherished by his beloved wife of 52 years, Karen Burns of Bassfield; daughters, Kelli Burns and Mitzi (Lance) Mancuso, both of Bassfield; son, Scotty (Ashley) Burns of Sumrall; his brother, Roderick Burns of Collins and two sisters, Margaret Lee of Ponchatoula, Louisiana and Patricia Gordon of Brandon.

The legacy of their “Pops” will also live on though his grandchildren, Brandon (Katie) Mancuso, Macaleigh Mancuso, Madeline Mancuso, Micah Mancuso, Connor Banks, Vera Scott Burns, Leo Burns and his great-grandchildren, Hunter and Elizabeth Mancuso. Mr. Burns also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com