William Earl "Bill" Burns, age 82, of Edwardsville, Illinois died peacefully at his home at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017. 

Bill was a retired attorney and manager for Chicago Title Insurance Company in Edwardsville. He was born April 6, 1935, in Akron, Ohio the son of the late James E. & Hilda H. (Benker) Burns. Bill married Miriam Poley on January 23, 1981, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Edwardsville. 

Besides his wife Miriam he is survived by 2 sons, William E. Burns, Jr & wife Evelyn of Suitland, Maryland and Thomas Edward Burns & wife Jeni of Gaylord, Michigan; 1 daughter, Tonya Kopeck & husband Steven of Burlington, Vermont; 5 grandchildren, Nathan Burns & wife Chanler of Lansing, Michigan, Carrie & Ellen Burns of Gaylord, Leisha Cousar of Suitland, and Crystal Williams of Tampa, Florida; 6 great grandchildren, Zarajuia, Ni'Yhla, Jhyaer, Jaden, Isiah, & Sean; 1 brother, John Burns & wife Florence of Uniontown, Ohio, 1 sister, Helen Crawford of Hendersonville, North Carolina and a number of nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers, James, Wayne, Donald, & Richard Burns and 1 sister, Mary Garner. 

Bill was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and a member of the Edwardsville Rotary Club.