Kenneth Wayne “Winky” Burns, 65, of Owensboro, KY, passed away on September 30, 2025, at his home. He was born on March 11, 1960, to the late Kenneth and Patricia Ann Payne Burns in Owensboro, Ky.
Kenneth honorably served as a Military Police officer in the United States Army for six years. He later dedicated over 22 years to the Daviess County Detention Center before retiring and afterward continued his service to the community through his work in security at Owensboro Community & Technical College.
He was a Kentucky Colonel, a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, and a former member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a great love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, camping, and spending time in nature. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family.
Along with his parents, Kenneth and Patricia, Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Wygant Burns and his grandson, Taylor Wayne Burns.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Kenny (Angela) Burns, Kurt Burns, and Seth Long, grandchildren, Mackenzie Burns and Jakob Burns, siblings, Bruce (Ann) Burns, Robbie (Kim) Burns, Lisa (Ottaway) Burns-Kirby and Tami Burns, along with a gaggle of nieces and nephews.
Services will be 5:00 pm, on October 6, 2025, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory, with Anthony Cobb officiating. Friends and family are invited to visitation, at the funeral home, on Monday, from 12:00 until the time of services.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Mr. Kenneth Wayne “Winky” Burns’ care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Burns and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.