Jeff Stephen Burns entered eternal rest on September 13, 2026, in Seguin, Texas.

Jeff was born and raised in Carrizo Springs, Texas, which was always home no matter where he was. The family regularly attended First Baptist Church in Carrizo where Jeff was baptized after accepting Christ as his savior.

His father, Carroll Burns, was a hard-working entrepreneur who instilled the same spirit in Jeff. Some of his early life experiences included selling cabrito's provided by the "nannies" from a 250 head herd of Spanish Goats. During July 4th and Christmas celebrations he partnered with his brother Lee selling Fireworks at Midway between Crystal City and Carrizo Springs. He regularly sampled the fireworks inventory, to presumably ensure product quality. Jeff was tough as nails but couldn't play football due to anatomical issues with his feet; so, he participated by being the team manager. Tough to a fault, he had both feet operated on at the same time. Coincidentally, brother Lee was in the same hospital room after surgery for appendicitis. Lee was nauseated during recovery from surgery and Jeff got out of bed, on his just surgically repaired feet to …. well…. provide a receptacle.

He attended Texas State Technical Institute and eventually worked his way into a career that took him around the world with the U.S. State Department. During his many years with the State Department, Jeff traveled extensively, serving in locations including Johnston Island, Saudi Arabia, Haiti, Yemen, Myanmar, Jordan, Africa, Honduras, Turkey, Germany, and likely others. After retiring from the State Department, Jeff has lived in Seguin for the past 11 years with his wife Susu. These were some of the best years of his life. He has been close toalmost all his family, played golf, worked in the yard and has eaten more than his fair share of the local cuisine. Cousin Von Box, once said we are all unique…. just like everyone else. Jeff was certainly unique, but in a very good way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Opal Burns, and his son, Owen Burns.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Hong Zhao (Susu); his daughters, Nena Burns and Dena Burns; his son, Glenn Burns, step son, Qing Guo (Winfred); his brother, Lee Burns, and Lee's wife, Sarah Burns; seven grandchildren, Layla Burns, Tristian Burns, Mason Burns, RJ Williams, Drew Williams, and Billy Williams; step grandson, Winfrey and one great-grandchild.

The Burns family will honor and celebrate Jeff's life on September 26 at Mt. Hope Cemetery with a graveside service beginning at 10:00 a.m., under the direction of Leonard Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Leonard Funeral Home, 707 W. Houston St., Carrizo Springs, Texas 78834, (830) 876-2119. Condolences may be expressed, favorite memories may be shared, and the guestbook may be signed online at www.leonardfunerals