Colton Burns

It is with broken hearts and unimaginable sadness that we announce the passing of Colton Michael Burns, age 17, on October 24, 2026. Though his time on this earth was far too short, Colton's life touched the hearts of so many, and his memory will forever remain a part of all who knew and loved him.

Born on April 30, 2009, Colton was the beloved son of Natasha and Richard, a cherished brother to Jocelyn, Audriana, and Jordan. Richard and Jocelyn came into Colton's life when he was just four years old and remained for all the years that followed, becoming an important and loving part of Colton's life and story.

At just two years old, Colton suffered a tragic near-drowning that forever changed the course of his life. In the years that followed, he faced lasting complications that affected his life. His journey was filled with challenges that most could never fully understand, and his life required the love, patience, and dedication of those who cared for him.

Although Colton was nonverbal, he had a sense of humor that could not be mistaken. He had his own way of communicating with the world, and his expressions often said what words never could. Those who knew him and cared for him learned to recognize his personality, his humor, and the little expressions that made him uniquely Colton. The people who spent time with him knew that there was so much more to him than what the eye could see. He had a way of making himself known without ever needing to say a word.

Colton's life was about so much more than the tragedy he experienced as a toddler or the complications he lived with for so many years. He was a son, a brother, and a young man with his own personality, his own way of connecting with others, and a place in this world that could never be replaced.

To his mom, Natasha, Colton was her beloved son, a part of her heart from the very beginning. To Richard, Colton was his first son, a cherished part of the family and a young man whose life was woven into so many years of shared experiences. To his sisters, Jocelyn and Audriana, and his brother, Jordan, he will always be their brother, forever part of their family, their memories, and their journey.

Seventeen years was not nearly enough. His passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot capture. The love surrounding him throughout his life cannot be measured, and the loss of him will be felt in ways that words will never fully express.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses, therapists, support staff, and teachers who believed in Colton and cared for and loved him tremendously throughout the last 15 years. Your dedication, compassion, patience, and kindness made an immeasurable difference in Colton's life and in the lives of those who loved him. You became an important part of his journey, and your care will never be forgotten.

May Colton now be free from the complications and struggles he endured for so many years. May there be peace where there was once hardship, and may those who loved him find comfort in the memories and moments that made him who he was.

Forever our son. Forever our brother. Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten.

Rest peacefully Colton your life mattered more than words could ever say. You will always be loved, you will always be remembered, and you will forever be a part of us. Until we meet again

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brook Road Transitional Care Unit at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. To give by mail, make your check out to Children's Hospital Foundation and send to Children's Hospital Foundation, Box 980693, Richmond, VA 23298. Please include "In memory of Colton Burns" in the memo line. To make your memorial online, visit www.chfrichmond.org/support.

The Transitional Care Unit of VCU is where Colton spent the last few years of his life. They are very dear to our heart and an important part of Colton’s life story!

Visitation: Friends may visit from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating.

Following the services, family and friends are invited to join us at Danny's Irish Pub 5500 N Belt W, Belleville, IL 62226 to share food, memories, and love in honor of Colton.