Kent Arthur Burns, 84, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in DeLand, Florida, surrounded by his son, Christopher, and daughter-in-law, Christy.

Kent was born on May 15, 1942, in Schenectady, New York, to Robert Francis Burns and Marion Fannie Moore Burns. During his early childhood, Kent was cared for by members of his father’s family, Harry and Ida, while his father was away serving during World War II.

Kent’s parents divorced when he was five years old. Following the divorce, he lived with his father’s side of the family and was raised by his father and stepmother, Barbara Burns. In his father’s household, Kent grew up alongside three siblings: Robert, Wendy, and Brian.

The divorce separated Kent from his sister, Sharon, and from his mother’s side of the family, whom he never had the opportunity to know while growing up. After many decades apart, Kent and Sharon reconnected in 2016. He was also able to visit with his mother before her passing in 2018. Kent and Sharon remained close and in regular contact throughout the remaining years of his life.

Kent proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1966. Following his military service, he graduated from Union College with a degree in electrical engineering.

Kent married the love of his life, Kathleen “Kathy” Burns, on August 7, 1965. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and adventure until Kathy’s passing in 2007, after 42 years of marriage.

Kent began his career with IBM and moved with Kathy to San Jose, California, where he worked as an engineer for 31 years. Following their retirement, Kent and Kathy relocated to Leesburg, Florida.

Kent was a man of many interests and talents. He was vigorous reader, he earned a black belt in karate, he loved playing golf, and remained an enthusiastic baseball fan throughout his life—especially when his beloved New York Yankees were playing. He was also an avid chess master, and legend has it that no one in the family had ever beaten him. He also loved watching Star Trek and had a deep appreciation for bluegrass music. Those who knew him well knew that the sound of a banjo could bring him to tears.

Kent was also famously known for his extremely dry-as-a-bone sense of humor. He always said that his favorite guitar solo was performed by Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits on the song, “Sultans of Swing". While not a chef by trade, Kent made the best crispy-edged silver dollar pancakes, affectionately known as “Poppa B Pancakes". He also had an enormous sweet tooth and claimed to be a verified “cookie hound.” Towards the end of his life, he was known for eating chocolate chip cookies at a pace that may have gotten the attention of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Above all, Kent loved his family. He took great joy in doting on and spoiling his four grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Poppa B.” He was a magical storyteller with his grandchildren and was known to illustrate fantastical comic books for them as they played pretend and wrote funny stories together. His love for them was unmistakable, and the memories they shared with him will remain a treasured part of his legacy.

After suffering a massive stroke on January 26, 2025, Kent became bed-bound. He lived with his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Christy Burns, in Tavares, Florida, where they lovingly cared for him until the time of his passing.

Kent is survived by his sister, Sharon Barmore; his brother, Robert Burns; his two sons, Scott Christopher Burns and Christopher Michael Burns; his daughter-in-law, Christy Burns; and his four beloved grandchildren, London, McKinley, Garrison, and Levi.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Burns; his parents, Robert and Barbara Burns, his mother, Marion Moore; and his siblings, Wendy and Brian.

Kent will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family and all who knew him. Although his absence leaves a profound space in their lives, they find comfort in knowing that Poppa B is now with the Lord.