Ronald Dean Burton

He graduated from Tyler High School and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Ronald married Sarah Kathleen Thomas (Kathy) in 1946. Every day with the love-of-his-life was joyful throughout the duration of their 67-year marriage and they were often seen walking and holding hands. Ronald spent his entire career working for Texas Electric Service Company, which later became Texas Utilities. As a well-respected businessman with skills in training and management as well as engineering, his job took him to Big Spring, Eastland, Fort Worth for 25 years, and eventually Dallas, where he retired and enjoyed the community in Bryan Place for 25 years. Ronald was a wise, thoughtful man who was a leader in his community. He served on the board and many committees at his church, participated in community development groups, and taught speech in the evenings at Texas Christian University. He was also a past-president of the TXU Retirees Club. A lifelong learner and avid reader, Ronald had interests in astronomy, archaeology, math and physics, and words and literature. He was also an accomplished calligrapher. He is survived by his daughter Sydney Burton of Flower Mound, TX; brother Royce E. Burton of Nacogdoches, TX; sister-in-law Ruth Hartley of Alexandria, VA; nephew Royce Burton, Jr. of Arlington VA and niece Susanna Hunter of Bellingham, WA.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 7, 2017, at 10:00 am at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to The University of Texas McDonald Observatory Annual Fund, 2515 Speedway C1402, Austin, TX 78712; 512-475-8843; email [email protected].

Online condolences can be made at www.sparkman-hillcrest.com.