A celebration service for the life of Dargan (DJ) Burns was held last week at The Church of the Covenant Presbyterian Church (USA) 11205 Euclid Avenue. Family visitation started at 12:30 with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity service following.

A celebration service for the life of Dargan (DJ) Burns was held last week at The Church of the Covenant Presbyterian Church (USA) 11205 Euclid Avenue. Family visitation started at 12:30 with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity service following.

The Rev. Dr. Robert J. Campbell presided over the service that started with a Call to Worship and everyone singing “Amazing Grace” before the prayer. Many resolutions were acknowledged from the City of Cleveland and other politicians.

Dargan’s niece Marie Burns Brayboy shared how much her uncle meant to the family and how he was the patriarch. Susan Alcorn, a former Pick n Pay employee shared how Dargan help the supermarket get visibility in the community.

Dargan was actively engaged in the practice of public relations, marketing, and community relations for over 50 years. His work centered on counseling top level management in economic development, public relations, marketing, and government affairs.

Dargan’s son Cedric Burns gave reflections on how his dad was one of those hard working men that always made things happen. “He was old school all the way. My brother and I used to fear him but never realized that he was teaching and preparing us for one of the most valuable lessons in life, standing up for what you believe in,” Cedric said.

Cedric shared how his dad, was a class act; even around the house. He often wore a silk smoking jacket, but the kids never saw him smoke. “As kids, we never saw dad wearing jeans,” Cedric said.

“I remember the first time my dad met my sister-in-law, Margaret. He knew immediately, that she was the only women walking the earth that could handle my brother Dargan Burns III. Again, my dad was right. Another good investment,” Cedric added.

In his closing remarks Cedric talked about his son Austin who reminds him of his father. “As I see Austin, I see my father. Everything from his witty personality, the stride in his walk to the shape of his head. If you have not met Austin, please do so, as I am sure that you will see my father’s spirit in that little boy.

Austin, if I can be half the father to you, that my dad was to me, I am sure that you will be twice the man that I could ever be.”

Elena Mullins sung a spiritual “Give me Jesus” before the Rev. Jonyrma Singleton read scriptures from the Old and New Testament. One of Dargan’s long time friends Bishop F. E. Perry provided words of comfort to the family.

Rev. Campbell shared how in 1954, Dargan was the second Black to join the Church of the Covenant. Dargan was urged to join at the request of J. Harold Brown the first Black to join.

Campbell also spoke when Dargan and his wife came to the church, they were ready to work. “Dargan loved his church and civil rights was clearly a passion for Dargan during the 1960s and '70s,” Campbell added.