Thomas (Tom) Britt Burns Jr.

Thomas (Tom) Britt Burns Jr., age 83, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024. 

Tom was born in Pampa, Texas, but spent his formative years in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, until 1955. He spent time over a two-year period as a United States Senate page at the age of 13. Upon returning to Oklahoma, Tom attended and graduated from Duncan High School in 1958. 

He began his higher education by attending the University of Oklahoma before relocating to Arizona to further his studies at the University of Arizona. He joined the esteemed fraternity Phi Gamma Delta at both universities and graduated with a degree in finance. During his college years, Tom demonstrated his commitment to service by participating in ROTC. 

Following his graduation, Tom served his country as a 2nd Lieutenant for two years, later continuing his service in the reserves. After his military service, he settled in Phoenix and embarked on a successful career with Valley National Bank. 

Tom married the love of his life, Peggy Hausman, and together they raised their three children: Sondra Wyman (Myers), T. Britt Burns III, and Courtney Bradford (Burns). Tom was a devoted family man with impeccable manners and loyalty to his loved ones. 

Throughout his life, Tom remained deeply engaged in his community. He held various leadership roles, including Chief Consul of the Chamber of Commerce, and active membership in the Jaycees. His commitment to service extended to the Chandler City Council, where he served as Vice Mayor. He truly found his calling and love with the Rotary club where he was a member for over 40 years. He served as the President of his local chapter in Chandler and later was the District Governor of Rotary for the state of Arizona.   

Tom pursued his passion for justice by attending ASU Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctorate. He established his law practice in Chandler, where he served his clients with passion and dedication. Later in his career, Tom worked as an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Economic Security for the State of Arizona, where he made significant contributions until his retirement. 

Tom was always physically active playing football and golf as a young man. He was often the coach of his children’s sports teams for the Parks and Recreation department. He loved playing golf and stayed healthy by running every morning before the sun came up. He even completed a few marathons!  

He loved to play card and board games with his family and was an avid bridge player in college. He and Peggy played bridge together once a month for many years with their close friends. Tom and Peggy loved to dance and routinely impressed and slightly embarrassed their children with their slick moves.  

Tom had a strong Christian faith and he and Peggy were Nazarenes who attend First Church of the Nazarene followed by Crossroads Nazarene church in Chandler. They were very active with their small group, whom they loved very much and even served by teaching Sunday school classes and supporting missionaries in the church.  

Both Tom and Peggy loved to travel. Tom caught the travel bug after a trip he took around the world with his sister Sally. He and Peggy would continue their love of traveling after their kids were grown and out of the house, often traveling with Tom’s sister Sally and her husband, Erik, whom they loved spending time with.  

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Peggy Burns (Hausman), and his parents, Thomas Burns Sr. and Mildred Burns (McWilliams). He is survived by his sister, Sally Mikkelsen (spouse Erik), his four children: Sondra Wyman (spouse Michael), Danny Roark (spouse Wendy), T. Britt Burns III (spouse Brooke), and Courtney Bradford (spouse Jim). Thomas also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory forever. 

Tom Burns Jr. will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his country. His legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. 

A Memorial Service will be held for Tom on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11am the following location:  Ironwood Church, 8635 E. Pecos Rd., Mesa, AZ 85212.

We would love for people to share stories about our dad, Tom, if you would like. He certainly lived a colorful life and always spun a good “yarn” telling stories of his own….over and over again! 

Reception to follow.