Derek A. Burns

Derek A. Burns, 57, of Highland, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at his residence.

Born December 23, 1967, in London, England, Derek was lovingly adopted by Jack and Rose (née O’Daniel) Burns. From the very start, Derek’s life was a gift—to his family, to his many friends, and to every community he touched.

Derek’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. A devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, he lived out his love of God through service to others. His involvement with the Quincy Cursillo community was especially dear to his heart, and he embodied its motto: “Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ.” Derek gave generously of his time and energy through the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly, Moose International, and the Optimists, always eager to lift others up. Beyond his faith commitments, he built a rich circle of friendship through the legendary Tipsy Tuesday Group, where his humor and love of people were on full display. He was always the first to lend a hand—whether helping friends move (more times than he could count), tending their gardens, cooking for a crowd, or backing a trailer down a steep, curvy road with what could only be described as a super-human ability. Derek loved nothing more than gathering friends to drink, to golf, to laugh, to worship, to serve and then, of course, to drink and golf again.

He had a heart of gold and a personality that filled every room. Derek had an astonishing ability to remember everyone he met, no matter how much time had passed—and he’d greet you like you’d just seen him yesterday. His humor, pranks, and gregarious spirit left his friends and family in stitches and ensured that he never met a stranger.

The family asks those attending his funeral to wear shorts in his honor, because Derek would have hated to see people dressed too seriously at an occasion meant to celebrate his life.

Derek was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Burns, and his sister, Janine Hart.

He is survived by his father, Jack (Jan) Burns, of Fort Worth, TX; his identical twin brother, David Burns, of Irving, TX; his sister, Melissa (Brian) Cusato, of Danville, KY; nieces and nephews Jack A. Cusato, Samantha Cusato, Bailey Hart, Ian Hart, and McKenzie Hart; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who will miss his generous spirit and mischievous grin.

Memorial donations may be made to Quincy Cursillo Group or St. Paul Catholic Church.

Visitation: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 8:00 am to 9:45 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, August 28, 2025, 10:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Fr. Teddy Adukus

Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery, Highland, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL