
Lawrence P. Burns, age 73, of Byron Center, was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette and Lawrence R. Burns; brother-in-law, Tony Frank. He will be lovingly remembered and incredibly missed by his wife of 47 years, Christine Burns; children, Anne Holman, Michael Burns, Patrick (Mia) Burns, Katie (Jason) Woods; grandchildren, Morgan, Avery, Oliver, Andrew, Isaac, Daniel, Maddie; siblings, Michael (Anne) Burns, Kathy Frank, Missy Morrison, Julie (Jim) Schiff; many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and colleagues. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved being a full time “Papa,” playing tennis and golf, cheering on the Fighting Irish and the Chicago Cubs. Larry was an attorney with Varnum Law for more than 40 years. He was a member of numerous health care associations including Mercy Health St. Mary’s, Holland Home Quality of Life and Services Committee, American Health Lawyers Association, and the Grand Rapids Bar Association. He was also dedicated to his Catholic faith and served on several Catholic education committees including St. John Vianney School Board and Foundation, Catholic Secondary Schools Board and Foundation, and the Foundation for Catholic Secondary Education of Greater Grand Rapids. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Thursday, November 2 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, with Rev. John Vallier officiating. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery immediately following Mass. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, November 1 from 11 am - 1 pm and 5 - 8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, and one hour prior to Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to St. John Vianney Foundation Tuition Assistance Fund, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509.