Gordon Edgar Burton

October 28, 1922 - September 23, 2014 Gordon Edgar Burton, 91, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 23. He was preceded by his parents Roy and Callie Burton, by his wife of 47 years, Mary Helen Adams, his oldest daughter, Gail Eldredge, his oldest son, Gordon E. Burton, Jr., and one of his grandsons, Gordon Walden Burton. He is survived by his son Barry Burton (Peggy), his daughter Barbara McHugh (Steve), and five grandchildren. Gordon was born in Lincoln, AL, and moved to Woodlawn when he was a youngster. He graduated from Woodlawn High School and joined the military before long. Gordon fought in WWII in Europe and was captured in Germany in January 1945, where he was a POW until they were liberated in April of that year. He sustained injuries during his captivity and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his years of military service, he married Helen and began a family. Having grown up working for his father in residential construction where he began building and remodeling homes. In partnership with his brother, Dan, he established Burton Construction Co and had a successful career as a builder and developer. Gordon was one of the early members of the Birmingham Association of Home Builders where he was instrumental in establishing Birmingham's Parade of Homes. Over the years he served the Association holding many positions, being named Builder of the Year in 1961 and serving as President in 1963. He was inducted into the Builder's Hall of Fame in 1991. Though working very hard throughout his career, Gordon loved and made time for his family, enjoying many regular activities together. He enjoyed fishing and golf, and as he neared retirement he went to flight school and took up flying. His fondness of flying, and his plane, Mrs. Wiggins, never diminished. Gordon was also a faithful and long-time Rotarian. Gordon and Helen first lived in Avondale but soon moved to Homewood. His family joined Dawson Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. When his family moved to Vestavia in 1964, they moved their church membership to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, where he remained a member for the rest of his life. The funeral service will be held at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church on Saturday, September 27th at 11:00 o'clock. The family will receive visitors from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, or the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club.