Everett Burns

Everett Burns was born in Delvin, Kansas, the oldest of three brothers. He grew up on a farm, and his first job was to gather fire wood. Burns attended Grandview School through eighth grade and graduated from Delvin High School in 1944. 

Burns entered the Army and was placed with the Infantry. He was stationed in the Pacific, where he went through training for the invasion of Japan. When the atomic bombs were dropped, the training switched to focus on the occupation of Japan. Burns got close to Hiroshima while his Infantry group worked to secure the area. He saw Kamikaze plans not yet used and experienced the Japanese bath houses. While in Japan, Burns was moved to the MASH dental unit, and he liked the work. Burns continued the work when he returned home, opened a business in Garnett, and worked there until he sold out and moved to Salina, Kansas.