Chester Edward "Ed" Burns

Chester Edward “Ed” Burns, 77, of Terra Alta, passed away on March 4, 2026 at Majestic Care of Hopemont, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and a heart always ready to help others.

Born on July 6, 1948 in Rowlesburg, he was the son of the late Chester Melton and Opal Pearl Masters Burns. A proud graduate of Terra Alta High School, Ed dedicated many years of faithful service to the Preston County Board of Education and Hopemont State Hospital. He was known by coworkers and friends alike as a dependable, hardworking man who never hesitated to lend a hand wherever it was needed.

Ed found joy in the simple, honest pleasures of life. He loved hunting, cutting timber, working his farm, tending to his animals, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. He enjoyed driving fast with a grin on his face and living life on his own terms. Above all, he cherished people. Ed never met a stranger — he was a true social butterfly who could strike up a conversation anywhere and make you feel like an old friend. Helping others wasn’t something he did occasionally; it was simply who he was.

He is survived by his three children, John E. Burns of Masontown, Patricia Parrish (Chuck) of Farmington, and Joseph Burns (Samantha) of Corinth; seven grandchildren, Allyson Parrish, Mia Burns, Charles “Blake” Parrish, Adam Burns Jr., Jeremy Burns, Elexa Burns, and Emma Burns; five great-grandchildren, Ari, Lydia, Sophia, Sutton, and Lennon; and four siblings, John Burns of Salt Lick, Wanda Lewis of Baltimore, MD, Betty Napper (Delbert) of Terra Alta, and William “Bill” Burns (Katherine) of Salt Lick. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will remember his generous spirit and warm smile.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Diane Reese Burns, on December 18, 2022. Their love and partnership were a steady foundation in his life, and he carried her memory close to his heart; one great granddaughter, Wrenlee Reese Burns.

Family and friends will gather at Terra Alta Funeral Home, 1112 W. State Street, Terra Alta, WV, on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 1:00 PM until the time of the Funeral Service at 3:00PM with Pastor Kevin Keplinger officiating. Private interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Salt Lick.

Online condolences may be made at www.terraaltafuneralhomewv.com.

Terra Alta Funeral Home is honored to serve the Burns family.

Ed will be remembered as a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and gave freely of himself. His hands were rarely still, his door was always open, and his life was a testament to showing up for others whenever they needed him.

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