Lowell Thomas Burns

May 6, 1936 - December 20, 2017

TRAVERSE CITY – Lowell T. Burns, age 81, of Traverse City passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Munson Hospice House in the loving care of his family. Lowell was born on May 6, 1936 in Ecorse, MI to George and Bernadette (Montie) Burns. The family moved to Dearborn, MI where he graduated from Dearborn High School in 1955. He was on the swimming and football teams. He graduated from Henry Ford Community College studying pre-engineering. He was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fifth Army Headquarters in Chicago. While in Chicago he met his wife of 56 years, Carolyn (Carlson) Burns. They were married on October 7, 1961. Lowell worked for the Ford Motor Company for 36 years in the Ford Division and retired in 1992 at which time they moved to Traverse City. He was a craftsman and built the family cottage on Rennie Lake in 1971. Lowell was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt, particularly deer, duck and small game. He also loved sailing and built 3 sailboats. He water skied up until the age of 79, enjoyed golfing and he walked an hour a day for many years. He made beautiful wood carvings, wood turnings, and created many pieces of furniture. He was a kind man and a good and loyal friend. Lowell is survived by his wife, daughter Kathy (Steven) Clemens, Westerville, OH, son Jim (Tasha) Burns, Rockford, MI, five grandsons, Ryan, Andy, Nick Clemens and Joel and Daniel Burns; sisters Arlene (Larry) Trent, Las Vegas, NV and Sharon Nowka, Sleepy Hollow, IL. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Patricia McQueen. Lowell and Carolyn were members at Bethlehem Lutheran Church where a visitation will take place on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The memorial service will also be held at the church on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11:00 am, with a visitation one hour prior. Pastor Paul Busekist will officiate. A luncheon will take place immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. The family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the Munson Hospice House or to the charity of your choice. Please share a memory with Lowell’s family by visiting his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family.