Paul E. Burns, 73, Valley Falls, died Monday March 9, 2015, at Stormont- Vail Regional Health Center in Topeka.

He was born Nov. 12, 1941, east of Valley Falls, on the family farm, the son of James P. and Bertha Wenzl Burns. He graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1959, and had attended Kansas State University. He was a member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 6671, both in Valley Falls. He served on the Church Council, and as a Lector and Song Leader.

Paul had been the Water Superintendent for the City of Valley Falls for 25 years. In 1999 he received the Municipal Operator of the Year Award from the Kansas Rural Water Association. He served on the Jackson Rural Water District No. 3 Board and on the Valley Falls City Council. Paul had raised cattle throughout his life. An avid sports fan, he served as an umpire and coach. He loved hunting, fishing, and just being outdoors.

He married Mary Jane Coons, March 3, 1962, at Valley Falls. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ray, Pat, and Terry Burns.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jane, of the home; three sons, Joe (Lanie)Fasulo, Olathe, Rich (Vic) Fasulo, Acworth, GA, and Larry (Kristy) Burns, Valley Falls; a daughter, Dawna Edmonds, Valley Falls; 11 grandchildren, Meg, Taylor, Nick, Justin and Jordan Fasulo; Jade, Lawryn and Kendy Edmonds; and Blake, Luke and Mallory Burns;

two step grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three step great-grandchildren; two special exchange students, Anna Heintz, Kansas City, MO, and John Buono, of Italy; two brothers, Tom (Peggy) Burns, Topeka, and Phil (Shirley) Burns, Westpoint, NE; five sisters, Ruth Langen, Olympia, WA, Mary (John) Triggs, Topeka, Margaret (Quentin) Dawson, St. Francisville, LA, Alice Edmunds, Manhattan, and Rita Burns, Topeka; three sisters-in-law, Agnes, Marilyn, and Deena Burns; and two brothers-in-law, Dan (Lynne) Coons and Bill (Brenda) Coons.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. A prayer service followed by a visitation will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart/Stroke Association or to the Valley Falls Athletic Association and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are welcome at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com