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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Sep '99
Paris Russell Burn, Jr. * '46
No. 15433 * 16 Mar 1925 - 16 Nov 1998
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Paris Russell Burn, Jr., known to family and friends
as Rus, was born in San Antonio, TX. His family moved to Las
Cruces, NM in 1928 where his father started Burn Construction
Company. Rus grew up in Las Cruces. He worked in his father's
construction business during the summers as soon as he was old
enough. At Las Cruces Union High, he played football, sang in
the male chorus and graduated as honor student in 1943. After
a year at NM Military Institute, Rus gained his appointment to
West Point where he joined the Class of 1946 on 1 July 1943.
With his experience at NM Military Institute and
his innate academic prowess, Rus was a standout as a cadet. At
the end of his second year, he saved the life of a trainee at
Fort Knox, KY and was awarded the Soldier's Medal. He was selected
Cadet Captain, Company Commander of B1 Company first class year.
Rus graduated a second lieutenant in the Cavalry, soon to become
the Armor Corps.
It was while at Fort Knox for basic Armor schooling
that Rus married Mary Vann Beene on 28 December 1946 at Las Cruces,
NM. His first assignment was to an Armored Cavalry Regiment in
the US Constabulary in Germany. He returned to the States in
1950 to attend the Artillery School at Fort Bliss, TX and was
then assigned to the 1st Guided Missile Battalion. In 1952 he
returned to Fort Knox for the Armor Advanced Officer's Course.
Next the Burns went to Washington, DC where Rus was assigned
to Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4. About this time,
his father's health became a problem so Rus left the Army to
return to Las Cruces to assist with the family business.
This was the start of an illustrious career in
the construction business. He spent two years as a field superintendent
and then thirty-four years as President and CEO of Burn Construction
Company in Las Cruces. His reputation for excellence in his field
expanded well beyond Las Cruces. He was twice President, Associated
General Contractors (AGC) of NM and chairman of three National
Committees of AGC. He was Chairman of the Building Committee,
Memorial General Hospital in Las Cruces and in 1973 was designated
Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for New Mexico. Rus
retired from Burn Construction in 1990. A city park in Las Cruces
was built and dedicated in his honor.
Rus died 16 November 1998 in a hospital in El Paso,
TX following a long illness. His wife, Mary Vann; sons, Keith
and Dennis; daughter Nancy and sisters, Margaret and Patricia
survive him.
From the day he entered West Point, Rus was recognized
for the great potential he exhibited and developed throughout
his military and civilian career. The remembrances of those who
knew and respected him are testimony to his qualities as a leader
and a man of integrity.
Classmate and friend, Wilton Persons, remembered:
" We really got to know one another after I retired in 1979.
For almost 20 years we took many trips together in the U.S. and
abroad. Rus never complained (nor even mentioned) his physical
problems. They did not slow him down nor interfere with his curiosity
and appetite for life. Rus had a strong ethical and moral compass
and was devoted to his wife and children, of whom he was very
proud. He was a true leader; one who inspired all who worked
with him to work and do their best. He was proud to be a West
Pointer. His Alma Mater can count on him as one of its most illustrious
sons."
Classmate, friend and fellow Armor officer, John
Treadwell wrote: One had to know Rus for only a short time and
in any situation to recognize him as the quintessential West
Pointer -- a leader of character. Rus was easy to know. He presented
one face throughout his life. He knew himself and his capabilities.
He projected these consistently with good humor. He radiated
confidence; his judgements were mature and professional; his
decisions were calmly executed, even under pressure. His true
genius lay in the depth of sincerity with which he held the values
which were so much a part of him and which coincide so perfectly
with the ideals of West Point. Rus remained true to his course
of life even in his painful final years."
Roommate, Dave Hutchison wrote: "Rus was a
model cadet, officer and citizen patriot, epitomizing all that
is best about West Point. How privileged I feel to have been
his roommate and friend."
When asked in 1990 how he wanted to be remembered,
Rus replied: " As one who has a sharp sense of humor, one
who cared deeply for his family; one who believed in God and
knew he was going to see his Lord."
To the above remembrances of a man deeply admired
and respected, the Class of 1946 is honored to add the words
that would mean so much to our classmate: "Well Done, Rus;
Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his wife, Mary Vann
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