Herbert Marshall Burns

Herbert Marshall Burns entered heaven the morning of Feb. 7, 2026.

The ones waiting for him were his wife, Jackie; his parents, Houston and Wanda Burns; brothers, Houston Everett, William (Bill), Buster, Samuel, Roy, and Jimmie; sisters, Fannie Campbell, Virginia McIntyre, and Doris Bullock; and a grandson; Caleb; along with many others.

He is survived by his daughter, Sheila; son, Wade (Beth) and his grandchildren, Colby, Trey, Dalton, Baya, Aubrey, and Elly; along with sisters, Jerre Dover (Harry) and Carita Miller.

And his best friend since grade school Carlyn Light. And many nieces and nephews.

Marshall was born on Jan. 9, 1942. He was the 10th of 12 children born at the family home on Fayville Road. His childhood years were spent around Miller City and Thebes working on the farm and picking cotton.

First and foremost, Marshall was a Christian who served as a Deacon and Trustee at Anna First Baptist church. He took on many jobs and was always willing to help at the church on different committees.

Marshall was a brick mason by trade, he graduated from Dongola High School and went to Chicago to work with his brothers to learn how to lay brick and block in the early to mid-60s. He was also serving in the Marine Reserves from 1963-1969.

He settled in Union County where he owned Burns Masonry for over 50 years. His handiwork is seen all over Southern Illinois, he was working in the early 70s building houses on the Lake of Egypt as the lake was growing. He worked all over Southern Illinois from Cairo to Mt. Vernon. He also worked in Florida and South Carolina with his brothers. His work ethic was second to none and anyone that knew him would say that he was the best in the business. He was a Life Member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.

His wishes were to be cremated and will be laid to rest at McGinnis Cemetery.

Funeral Services were  held on Saturday, Feb. 14 with Les Sinks officiating at Crain Funeral Home in Anna. 

Inurnment was held at McGinnis Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McGinnis Cemetery or SSM Hospice Care.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.