Ewell Burns

Ewell Jefferson Burns joined his Savior early Monday morning, April 4, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Pat, and family in Durango, Colorado.

Ewell Jefferson Burns was born in Golden, Oklahoma to James and Stella Burns on July 30, 1938. Ewell graduated, class of 1956, from Kermit High School. He married the love of his life, Patsy Langdon on September 20,1957 in Kermit, Texas. Ewell received his associate degree from Odessa College. However, not long after starting school at Sul Ross, he decided against it, because spending time with family was his priority. Ewell graduated from the Fire Academy and was already working full time as a fireman at the Odessa Fire Department. They gained another family over the next 35 years, as Ewell worked at the fire station, retiring as a Captain. In the early 80s, after falling in love with a little cabin in the mountains of Durango, Colorado, Ewell and Pat purchased that property, their little piece of Heaven on earth. Shortly after, they began making endless memories on Sierra Drive with their grandkids, family, friends, and neighbors (that would become family). Ewell was always working, either at Pat’s health food store, the fire station, for a friend in need or painting. He loved to laugh, visit, work on one of his trucks, cheer on his grandkids, and travel the country in his motorhome with his wife Pat. Of all the places they traveled, their very own log cabin on the side of the mountain was Ewell’s favorite place to be. Over the years, keeping up with his friends from the fire department was important to Ewell. He made sure to check in and pick on them often. He received many awards and honors at the fire department, however, serving his family, friends, and community was his true calling. He was involved in church, Boy Scouts of America, and whatever else Pat signed him up for. Those that knew Ewell would describe him as a hard working determined man, with a stubborn side and a servant’s heart. He loved his family very much and was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. Ewell, Dad, Pops, Mr. Burns, Captain, regardless of what you called him, he left a huge impression on many hearts. And forever etched in our mind will be his unforgettable attire, a toothpick, a red rag in pocket, short shorts, a shirt with cut-off sleeves that proudly boast “Odessa Fire” (if any shirt at all), his gold necklace with the gold “E.B.” medallion, a flat billed cap sitting on the back of his head, and a pair of well-worn shoes. The toughest man we’ve ever known, our hero.

Ewell Jefferson Burns was preceded in death by his father, James Arvil Burns, his mother, Stella (Thrift) Burns, his sister, Estella Burns, and his brother, James Clifford Burns.

Ewell Jefferson Burns is survived by his wife, Patsy J. Burns of 64 years. His two children, Danny Burns; Debra (Burns) and Tommy Davis. Daughter by choice, Sally and Art Orlopp; grandchildren, Crystal (Davis) and Shane Vance, Justin and Casee Davis, Jeremiah Burns and Heather, David and Katie Burns, Victoria (Stacey Davis) and Ash Karm, Bethany (Burns) and Jeff Pugh, Kimberly Burns; great-grandchildren, Brody Vance, Gracie Vance, Maddie Vance, Kashton Karm, Briana Burns, Jace Davis, Ryder Davis, Makena Karm, Serenity Burns, Lyrik Burns, Noah Karm; great-great-grandchild, Ryleigh Vance; and an abundance of “fabulous” friends, firemen, and neighbors.

Details of a memorial service will be provided at a later date. The family request that memorials be given to the Odessa Fire Department.