Obituary of Kevin “Popeye” Burns

Kevin Lee Burns, “Popeye”, age 52, died in a tragic accident on March 1, 2020. Kevin was born on November 1, 1967, on All Saints Day to John Joseph Burns and Beatrice Zuccolotto in Columbus, Ohio. He was welcomed into the family by an older brother and sister, Michael Burns and Janice (Burns) Austin. Kevin moved to Florida in 1988, where he met his future wife Carol Bruner. They were married from 1991 to 2005. To this union were born two sons that he adored, Nathan, age 27 and Skyler, age 24. Kevin worked for the City of Melbourne for 30 years, he was a Journeyman Electrician. In his leisure time, Kevin enjoyed playing darts, golf, and socializing with the many friends that he cherished dearly.  If there was an event, Kevin was there. He was a genuinely caring man with a big heart and a smile to match. Outside of work everyone knew him as Popeye; he was a best friend to so many. Kevin is survived by his immediate family; a half-sister Coelleen (Burns) Gerhard, step-sister Jolie Whitis, a brother-in-law George Alton Austin and family; Aunt Mamie (Pat) Westbrook; cousin Matt (Kim) Simon and family; niece Alena Burns and nephews Cory and Rick Wood, Michael and Zander Burns of Florida, a future daughter-in-law Ashley Coots, as well as many of his extended family in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Kevin is also survived by the woman who held his heart, Maggie Brown. A celebration of life will be open to everyone who knew and loved him on Saturday, March 14 at American Legion, post 81 The Frank B. Huddleston Post, 2909 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne beginning at 1 p.m.