Edwin Vance Burns was born October 25, 1979, in Houston, Texas, to Alton and Cleta Burns Jr. The oldest of four children, Edwin served as a guidepost for his siblings.  He explored the world first, bringing them back notes and his thoughts along the way.

He attended Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School for elementary and middle school.  Like his grandfather and namesake, Edwin loved baseball.  Throughout his formative years, Edwin played on several teams often coached by his father, Alton.

He continued his passion for baseball at the  High School for Engineering Professions at Booker T. Washington where he was a member of the Varsity Baseball team. He went on to attend Florida A&M University in Tallahassee on a full scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

He chose the noblest of professions—becoming a third-generation educator, following in the footsteps of his mother and maternal grandparents. Edwin began his teaching career at Cobb Sixth Grade Campus, just a few doors down from his mother.  That same year he was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award. He continued at Cobb even after his mother's retirement.  In 2019, he started teaching at his high school alma mater, Booker T. Washington High School.  While there, he also served as the Head Coach of the girls' softball team.  Most recently, he taught 10th Grade Chemistry at North Shore High School.   Driven by his love of animals and the environment, he encouraged his students to appreciate science in the world around them.

Edwin was a free spirit, a free thinker, and often enjoyed discussing his political views of the day. He was a frequent voter registration volunteer and cared deeply about his community.  But most of all he enjoyed anytime he got to spend with his family—eating, being merry, and eating some more.

Edwin also enjoyed dancing, scuba diving, cycling, and fishing with his father, grandfather, and younger brother.

Edwin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Alton and Delphia Burns Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Edwin and Cleta Foster; and his paternal aunt, Gloria Burns.

He is survived by his parents Alton and Cleta Burns.  His siblings Chrystal (Melvin) Sawyer, Alton (Ashlianne) Burns, and Cleta Burns.  His aunts Tilda Foster, Delores Burns, Renita Burns, and Priscilla (Olin) Carter.  His niece and nephews, Lydia, Melvin, Vance, and Cameron.  His cousins Antoine, Melina (Andrew), Aurelia, Alice (Henry), Audrey, Catherine, Olin (Zenia), Evan, and Casen.

Edwin Vance Burns departed this life January 8, 2025. Visitation Friday January 17, 2025, from 8-10am., Rosary 9am., Funeral Mass 10am. Services will be held at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church 4000 Sumpter St. Houston, Texas 77020. Interment Catholic Cemetery, Mobile, AL 36617.