Louis A. Burns, 83, of Newport, Rhode Island, “Flew West” on October 30, 2026.
Born on February 5, 1943, he was the son of Louis E. Burns, M.D., and Marie (Waters) Burns. Raised in Newport, Lou attended Miss Collings’ School and graduated from Rogers High School in 1961.
He attended the University of Miami and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and joined TWA as a first officer in February 1964. He flew the Lockheed Constellation as a first officer and, as captain, flew the Boeing 727, 767, 747 and 757, mostly on TWA’s international routes. He was active in the ALPA safety program, serving as an accident investigator and safety chairman for the JFK International pilots. He was also a member of the accident investigation committee for the TWA Flight 800 crash in July 1996. He retired from American Airlines, TWA’s successor, in February 2003.
Lou was an avid reader and enjoyed sailing and fishing, especially saltwater fly fishing. He was a member and past commodore of Ida Lewis Yacht Club and a member of Newport Yacht Club, Redwood Library, US Sailing, the Federation of Fly Fishers and several local fishing clubs.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila; his daughter, Courtney Ashcraft of Bailey, Mississippi; his granddaughters, Morgan Ashcraft Warren and Ainsley Ashcraft; and his great-grandson, Ridge Warren.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family requests that no flowers be sent. Donations in his memory may be made to the Newport Yacht Club Endowment Fund, PO Box 944, Newport, RI 02840.
This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the funeral home’s or family’s consent.