Marcus Spencer Burton

Marcus Spencer Burton, 70, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 8, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Paloma Burton; children, M. Clifton Burton and wife, Cindy of Katy; Vanessa Burton-Lewis & husband, Paul of Clear Lake; grandchildren Reece Burton, Joseph Soria, Jillian Price, Corey Burton and Christian Lewis; sisters, Charlene Harrington and husband, Al of Willis and Molly Matranga and husband, August of La Porte; step-children Greg Edinger of Riverside, NJ and Melinda de la Torriente of Houston; beloved cousins, John Layne Burton and wife, Gloria of Austin & Tommy Burton of Houston and many nieces, nephews and dear family friends.

Marcus was born to the late Charles Henry Burton & Jessie Pearl Favors, April 12, 1941, in Houston, Texas. He grew up on a ranch in Pipe Creek, Texas. Marcus was a true Texan through and through.

Marcus was the youngest of three children. As he grew up he was busy in school and even played the sliding trombone while in a marching band. His parents split, so through the years he went back and forth living with his mom and dad at different times. When he lived with his mom his life seemed to go more smoothly. When he lived with his dad he was put to work on his dad's farm. Marcus stated this really kept him in shape because there was so much to do.

When he was in his early 20's he hired on at Local 681 and was an apprentice there. His first job as a cement finisher was at NASA in Clear Lake City. He worked his way up and eventually became a supervisor of a crew of his own. He took this task seriously. He knew men's lives were in his hands and enforced safety to the fullest. Many of the buildings of downtown Houston he had a part of building. These skyscrapers would take years to build. When one building was finished he would be assigned the next. He worked for W. S. Bellows for 21 years.

Later in his life he found himself with a family of his own. After 10 years of marriage he was single and he lived in Houston. At that time he was looking for something to keep himself busy. He wanted to open a business, which he did. He named it" The Snackin Corner Deli". He was able to open several locations in Houston.

He also found a church near his home. Marcus was involved at Lakewood Church and became a part of the Full Gospel Business Men Association. He lived a good life and was happy. Soon he found the economy was not in the shape it used to be and his deli's closed for one reason or another. He then hired on at A1 Blinds. He enjoyed meeting new people as he worked.

When he least expected it, he was introduced to the love of his life Paloma. After some time, they married and settled in Houston, Texas. They both found themselves retired after several years. This enabled them to travel all over the United States, but their favorite place to visit was San Antonio, Texas. They were able to continually be together, even until his last days.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Vitas Innovative Hospice Care for providing Marcus an environment of peace, dignity and care in his final days. There are no words for the gratitude we have for the staff, chaplains& Marcus's nurses Clementine, Vivian, Gerardo, Faye and Deaion.

As he starts this next journey, Marcus's faithful companion Baby will be by his side. She was his 17 year old cat that passed away a few days before him.

Marcus will be missed - his laughter, his humor and compassion. There is no one like him and never will be. He touched the lives around him and his lifetime of memories will be treasured forever.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue. Graveside Service to follow at 1:00 pm, Live Oak Cemetery, Manchaca, Texas.