Funeral Services for Roger E. Burns Sr., Age 77 of Winona, Missouri will be held on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 at The Winona Christian Church, Winona, Missouri, beginning 1:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will be in The Mount Zion Cemetery, Winona, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of The Clary Funeral Home, Alton, Missouri.
Roger Earl “Fluffy” Burns, Sr., of Winona, Mo, was born on May 21, 1949, in Poplar Bluff, Mo, to the late Chester “Murph” Burns and Velma B. Hicks, and to us all began a life full of spreading joy and laughter for so many people to enjoy. He departed this life in his home with his family at his bedside, on July 3, 2026, at the age of 77 years.
Roger met his wife of 58 years, Glenda J. Roberts, in 1966 while attending Winona R3 school district where he was voted, rightfully so, class clown, best dressed, and most popular. He graduated in 1967. He went on to join the US Navy in 1968 and served our country gladly and proudly for 2 years as a cook on the ship USS Samuel Gompers. Roger and Glenda were united in marriage February 17, 1968 and were blessed with four children, Gina, Deana, April and Roger, Jr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father in law William “Gene” Roberts, Sr.; two sisters Mary Kay Burns and Evelyn Earleen Burns; two brothers in laws, William “Bill” Gene Roberts, Jr. and Clifford Needels; two sister in laws, Rebecca Barnes and Betty Needels. He is survived by his wife Glenda, daughters Gina Farrill and husband Aaron of Winona, Mo; Deana “Sis” Burns, April “Punkin” Burns and son Roger “Earl” Burns, Jr all of Winona, Mo; two brothers, David Albert Haynes and wife Virginia of Omaha, Nebraska and Walter Guy “Bubba” Burns and wife Sharon of Winona, Mo; sister in law Brenda Counts and husband Rex of Winona, Mo; Beverly Roberts of Winona, Mo; and his mother in law Betty June Roberts of Winona, Mo. Grandchildren DeWain “DJ” Jones and wife Erika of Marionville, Mo; Marissa Roberts and husband Nathaniel of West Plains, Mo; Brenden Burns of Mountain View, Mo; Chalin Burns of Winona, Mo; Junie and Jeanie Burns of Mountain View, Mo; Dalton and Vanessa Farrill and Dylan Farrill of Humansville, Mo; Jonathon Farrill of West Plains, Mo. and great grandchildren Aiden, Elijah, Karsyn, Ada, Dante, Selene and Liam, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
After leaving the Navy in 1970, he began working odd jobs, including logging, but in 1973 he started the career that became his biggest passion in life, truck driving. The only thing he loved more than that was his family. He drove many 1000’s of miles and also trained many young guys in his “expertise”. He never had an accident in all his years of driving. His handle was playfully “Fluffy” and everyone knows and loves him by that. He drove a truck up until April when he had his stroke and had he not gotten sick, he would still be driving today.
He gave his heart to God and was baptized in church camp when he was a young boy. Through the years, he attended church off and on and played drums, drove the church van, and helped with the youth, taking them on youth trips and building relationships with them; so many people are fond of him for that time in their lives. They all have many funny stories to tell about it. All of the kids loved him and he loved making them laugh, something he was good at with so many. Never could you be in a bad mood around him.
During this recent bout with illness, he rededicated his heart to God. He wanted all of his kids by his side so he could share the good news that he was going to serve God “one more time” and tell them that the battle with God and satan is almost over and that “God wins this battle”. God did win this battle, the battle for Roger’s soul. I can imagine him doing his funny little dance he loved to do right through the gates of Heaven as he joins Jesus and his loved ones gone on before him. Someone said they can imagine him going around Heaven spreading laughter and joy like he did here on earth. Heaven got a little funnier when he entered its gates. His silliness, smile and silly wave will be sorely missed for all who knew and loved him.
