Fred Burns grinned as the Honor Guard from Glenn Maker American Legion Post 1160 snapped into salute. Balloons swayed overhead. Cake waited on the table. He leaned forward in his wheelchair and offered his secret to a long life.
“Pancakes, molasses, and having faith in God,” he said with a laugh.
Burns turned 101 on Monday. Staff at Aperion Care Burbank — the nursing home where he’s lived for four years — threw a celebration to honor his century-plus of life, service, and family. Friends, family and veterans gathered at 5701 W. 79th St. in Burbank to thank a man who never stopped fixing things — from pipes to problems to people’s moods with his kind and gentle soul.
“He’s a good dad,” said Joy Burns, his daughter. “He was always very stern and strict but always a good dad and a great man.”
Born in Arkansas in 1924, Burns was the seventh of 24 children. At 20, he moved to Chicago and lived with his oldest brother. There, he met his wife, Shirley. They raised three children — Joy, Tony, and Farah — and built a life on Chicago’s South Side.
Burns worked more than 40 years as a plumber at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital.
“He lived in his home on Campbell until the age of 97,” Joy said. “He is extremely independent.”
The family first lived near 37th and Indiana before settling at 59th and Campbell. Burns stayed there for decades, neighbors watching him sweep the sidewalk or chat with passersby.
These days, Burns is known as the life of Aperion Care Burbank.
“For his age, he’s doing incredibly well,” said Liz Elias, the facility’s activities director. “He’s always talking and educating us about the Bible, always making silly jokes during Bingo. He really knows how to make everyone laugh.”
On Monday night, the Honor Guard from Post 1160 in Chicago Ridge presented Burns with gifts and thanked him for his military service during World War II.
“Turning 101 is a huge milestone,” said Rich Ciszek of Post 1160. “It’s fantastic — truly an honor and a privilege to be able to be here with him.”
Burns smiled, surrounded by family and staff, as guests passed him slices of birthday cake.
“Everyone is so nice to me, and I want to thank them,” he said.
