Mack Burton

Mack Burton of Fort Smith passed away on December 21, 2020. He was born in Chismville, AR. He was preceded in death by his father, Ples Burton; mother, Florence Mitchell Burton; loving wife, Norma Lou Burton; brothers, Charley and Mitchell Burton and a sister, Marguerite Taylor.

Mack was a graduate of Paris, AR High School with the class of 1945 where he was an active sports participant.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard, spending his tour of duty in the Aleutian Islands. He was a former member of the Arkansas National Guard.

In 1951, he graduated from the Arkansas Police Training Academy and worked as a State Trooper for 15 years.

In 1966, he joined the U.S. Marshal’s Service as a Deputy Marshal and was promoted to Chief Deputy Marshal in 1967. He was a graduate of the U.S. Marshal’s Training Academy in Los Fresnos, TX. He was a charter member of the U.S. Marshal’s Service National Historical Society, and was selected to serve on the National Promotional Panel. In 1978, he received the appointment to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas. He retired from the Marshal’s Service in 1986.

While serving as Marshal, he was awarded the U.S. Attorney General’s Special Achievement Award and Special Commendation award from the Director of The U.S. Marshal’s Service. He was awarded a special plaque for Outstanding Marshal Respect For Law in 1979 and 1980.

He was a former Director of First national Bank of Canon City, CO. and a UCT member for 30 years. He was also a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church of Corpus Christi, TX.

Mack is survived by two daughters, Dr. Marilyn Kowalchuk and husband, Dr. Glen Kowalchuck of Charlotte, N.C.; Patti Sosdian and husband, Neal Sosdian of Houston, TX.; two sons, Steve Burton and wife, Lynda Burton of Fort Smith and Scott Burton and wife, Suzanne Burton Madison, AL.; three granddaughters, Lauren and Erin Sosdian and Chelsea Kowalchuk.

A private graveside service will be held at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.