A gathering to celebrate Harry’s life is scheduled for May 20th in Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to The American Cancer Society or Iowa Public Radio.

Harry was born July 13, 1946, in Raytown, Missouri, son of Maurice and Maudie (Gurss) Burns. He received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Iowa State University. After obtaining his doctorate, Harry worked at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown, Iowa for over 30 years holding a variety of positions focusing on valve controls. While there, he collaborated on 10 U.S. patents with his colleagues.

In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, reading and photography. He enjoyed spending time at the Iowa State campus, library and Ledges State Park. He also co-founded a small Internet company EarthBlue. He was an active member of the Marshall County Democrats and enjoyed talking about politics.

Harry is survived by his children: Kathleen Finn (Mark), of Green Bay, Wisconsin and John Burns, (Haley) of Clive, Iowa; his grandsons Colin and Aaron Finn and his brother Douglas (Phyllis), of Macks Creek Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Burns.

Online condolences may be made at www.lensingfuneral.com