Alva Neill “Alvie” Burns, Jr., 77, of Mayetta, KS passed away January 7, 2015 at Stormont Vail Hospital. He was born July 23, 1937 in Topeka, KS, the son of Alva Neill and Ella Mae (Wolfe) Burns.

Alva had lived in the Mayetta community since 1972 and previously in Maple Hill. He graduated from Seaman High School in 1955 and attended Kansas Wesleyan University. Alva served in the Kansas National Guard for 6 years.

He was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 40 years, retiring in 1995. He was also a stockman and delivered newspapers for Topeka Capital Journal for several years.

He was a member of the Mayetta United Methodist Church, he also belonged to the York Rite in Topeka and N.A.R.F.E. Alva was a 50 year member of Mayetta Masonic Lodge #393, Mayetta O.E.S. member for 49 years and National Association of Letter Carriers Union for over 50 years.

Alva married Karen Faye Brenner on June 7, 1959 in Corning, KS. She survives of the home. Other survivors include 2 sons, Daniel Burns (Nancy) of Horton, KS and Matthew Burns (Rhonda) of Topeka, KS; 2 daughters, Rebecca Neely (Tom) and Carol Just (Allan) both of Topeka, KS; a sister, Marilyn Randel (Dean) of Topeka, KS; 9 grandchildren, Joshua Burns (Miriam), Timothy Burns, Helen Stutterheim (Ross), Amanda Finch (Erik), Rebecca Warnken (Adam), James Burns, Aaron Neely, Cordell Neely and Leanna Just; 3 great-grandchildren, Raegan, Jocelyn and Autumn Stutterheim.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2015 at the Mayetta United Methodist Church with burial to follow in the Mayetta Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Mayetta United Methodist Church or Donor’s Choice c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.