DeLover Burns, Big Daddy, to all us who knew him and loved him, was born on Feb 29, 1900, a truly special man, not just because he was a leap-year baby! (The headstone is wrong on both sides). He was the only child born to William Joel Burns and Susie Jones. His father left soon after his birth and did not return. His mother remaired a good man in 1904 by the name of Clyde Ford. Two more sons where born of this union, Clyde, Jr and Wilbert. Delover and his brothers grew up strong in body and faith in Taylor Texas. All the boys had been born at home. As a man his worldly job was being a postman, but his real calling was being a pastor and leading others to know his God and faith. Delover began to act as assistant pastor of the Church of God in Christ Church he was attending in Granger Texas in 1920. In 1921 he met the girl that caught his eye, Cora Wilson (born Cora Willis). They were married in 1922. Ten children were born of this union; Freddie Mae, Lillie B, Louis, Roberta, Willie Lee, Bobbie Lee, Dorothy Marie, Delover Jr., Shirley Jean, and Curtis James were all raised with the same strong faith and strong hand of Big Daddy. Delover and Cora pastored the church in Granger for eight years, until they took over the COGIC in Industry. The family had moved to Austin but continued to pastor the Industry Church for 25 years. In 1966 he became Superintendent D.L.Burns in the Austin area. In 1970 they founded the Capital City Holy Temple COGIC which is still in use today. They traveled all over central Texas preaching and teaching the word of God in many small churches. "JW", as he called her, after her dad, was tight with money and slow with time, often kept him waiting, which he never did well. Pain was a part of their life. He and Cora buried their six year old daughter, Roberta in 1938 and their son, Willie Lee, in 1970. He enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and raising small animals. He could identify any plant and knew exactly what to do to make it flurish. He always had a large garden. His favorite flower was the Iris which grew all over this yard. He grieved over the loss of his parents, both of his brothers, three granddaughters, Patricia Lackey, Jaqueline Hardin, and Brenda Faye Alberts Alfred, and the loss of his beloved, Cora in 1984. She had been his wife and companion for 62 years. He continued to pastor his church for about five more years after her death until his son, Curtis took it over, and still pastors there today. The last seven years were particulary difficult for him without her. His heart finally gave out, and he went home to be with her again. He leaves to mourn his passing, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends. Many people came to know the Lord through the life of this man.