Merle E. Burns, 78, of Kittanning died Sunday at VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler surrounded by his family.

He was born Nov. 11, 1933, in Rayburn Township, Armstrong County, to Harvey M. and Elizabeth J. (Butz) Burns.

Merle was a lifetime resident of Kittanning and graduated from Kittanning High School in 1952. He worked for the former Valley Electric of Kittanning. Later, he worked as a lab technician for Castle Rubber in East Butler for 29 years until his retirement in November 1995.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Ruth A. (Otto) Burns; a daughter, Kelly Painter and her husband, Bob, of Kittanning; a son, Edwin Burns and his wife, Megan, of Greensburg; three grandchildren; one step-grandson; one step-great-grandson; a brother, Robert G. Burns and his wife, Lucy, of Kittanning; and numerous nieces and nephews.

BURNS — Family and friends of Merle E. Burns, who died Sunday, April 1, 2012, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at

Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 515 N. McKean St., Kittanning, where a blessing service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday.Memorial contributions may be made in Merle’s honor to the VNA Inpatient Hospice, 115 Technology Drive, Butler, PA 16001 or to the Kittanning Public Library, 280 N. Jefferson St., Kittanning, PA 16201.To leave a condolence for Merle’s family or to view a tribute honoring his life, visit www.bauerfuneral.com.