AUBURN — Cecil E. Burns, 92, of Sarasota, Fla., and summer resident of Roxbury Pond, died Monday, June 28, at the Hospice House.

Cecil was born in Rumford, May 6, 1918, a son of John R. and Rose M. (Paradis) Burns.

Cecil was educated in Mexico schools and was a graduate of Mexico High School, Class of 1936. He later graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Class of 1947 with a bachelor of arts degree in education and was proud and grateful for the opportunity to attend. He received a master’s degree in 1957 from Long Beach State College, Long Beach, Calif., and in 1959 received a master’s degree in administration.

Cecil enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force Pilot Training Program in 1942, and was selected student officer for Corps of Cadets, and became wing commander of 1,200 cadets. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and graduated with wings.

Cecil played for five years with the Millionaires Football Team and with the Winthrop Mills Semi Pro Team. He taught at Mexico High School from 1947 to 1955, and coached football and basketball. Cecil later taught in the Long Beach Unified School District from 1955 to 1981, and was a teacher as well as school administrator.

He was a communicant of Incarnations Catholic Church in Sarasota, Fla., and a member of the BPOE in Rumford. He was exalted ruler in 1954. Cecil was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. Cecil was a member of the SAD 43 school board and was very active in community activities in Rumford and Sarasota.

Cecil enjoyed riding his ATV with his brother Rae Burns and was a member of the Roxbury ATV club. Cecil was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.

Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Geraldine (Knauer) Burns of Rumford; two children, Dennis G. Burns of Denver, Colo., and Jolene Lovejoy and husband, Richard, of Rumford; a brother, Rae Burns and wife, Lillian, of Dixfield; six grandchildren, Hal Burns, Lael Graham, Angela Dreiling, Dannelle Newnam, Kristin Boerger and Stephen Boerger; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers, Maxwell, George, Harry, Fr. T. Lee Burns; and a sister, Virginia Gaudet.

You are invited to share your, thoughts, condolences, and fond memories with the family by visiting their guestbook at www.SGThibaultFuneralHome.com.