Ronald A. Burns – January 19, 2026

Ronald Aubrey Burns, after 88 wonderful years with us, began his eternal journey at God’s side on January 19^th, 2026. He was residing in Monument, CO, but also called Louisburg, KS, Austin, TX, Colorado Springs, CO, and Lubbock, TX, home during his life. He was twice retired. First, as a Lieutenant Colonel and decorated combat veteran in the United States Air Force and then as the co-founder and owner of a local business in Colorado Springs for 16 years.

Ron was born on December 12^th, 1937, to Luther Aubrey Burns and Jeri Burns (Unsel) in Little Rock, AR. He married Zoe Cooley in Phoenix, AZ, on November 11^th, 1965.

Ron was fond of long rides on his Harleys through the hill country of central TX and logged thousands more miles with Zoe as his back seat companion throughout the United States and even the mountain passes of 5 European countries. The couple also toured the country in their RV, often accompanied by grandchildren for special trips.

Ron graduated from Hillcrest High School in Dallas, TX, in 1956. He went on to graduate from Texas Tech University in Lubbock and received an MBA from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

As an officer in the United States Air Force, Ron began as a navigator. He later entered pilot training where he graduated at the top of his class and was awarded a fighter pilot slot. He chose to fly the F4 Phantom and served in the 417^th TFW in Ramstein Germany & Mountain Home AFB, ID. In Vietnam from 1969-70, Ron compiled nearly 900 combat hours as a Forward Air Controller in the O-1 Bird Dog named “Ronnie’s Racer.” His call sign was “Tamale 36.”

Over one 6-day stretch (May 1^st and May 6^th, 1970) Ron earned “The Air Medal” and “The Distinguished Flying Cross” for his “extraordinary achievement” in combat. The DFC Citation included the following language, “On that date, Captain Burns piloted his unarmed O-1 aircraft in support of a beleaguered friendly force which was pinned down by a hostile ambush. Despite intense automatic weapons fire and marginal weather conditions, he directed three sets of tactical fighters against the hostile force causing them significant casualties and saving many friendly lives.” He earned “The Air Medal” a 2^nd time in 1971and was also awarded “The Air Force Commendation Medal” and two medals for “Meritorious Service.”

Ron then served 4 years at Reese AFB, TX, as a flight commander and instructor pilot, followed by 4 years at the Air Force Academy as Commander of the 12^th Squadron, leading 120 cadets and teaching classes. His next tour was unaccompanied in Korea for 1 year as the Commander of the 5^th TACG, flying the OV-10 “Bronco,” and he finished his distinguished 23-year career as the Air Officer Liaison at Fort Carson, CO.

He is survived by his loving wife Zoe, his sons Ronald Jr. and Darren, his grandchildren Devin, Alissa, Ronald III, Emily Zoe, Hunter, Gillian, and Katelyn, and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tami, and his brother Jerry.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at the Shrine of Remembrance (1730 East Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs CO) followed by a 12 p.m. interment and honor guard at Pikes Peak National Cemetery (10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925). A reception will be held for “Tamale 36” from 1:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Jarrito Loco Restaurant (315 E Hwy 105, Monument, CO 80132.