He had lived a full, active life. He graduated from Altoona High School in 1949 and joined the US Marines. He was in the F-2-5 1st Division in Korea when he was wounded on Sept. 16, 1951 and lost his right foot. He did not allow the war injury to slow him down.
He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. He worked at Gadsden Goodyear for 37 years. While there, he established the department of Environmental and Safety Engineering and was its first manager until his retirement in 1992. He and his wife Jane were active members of the Dixie Hi-Lo Camping Club and, after his retirement, enjoyed many camping trips with the club and by themselves. They were also very active in their church, Christ Central Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John R Burton Sr. and Laura E Galloway, and his wife of 64 years, Jane Auman Burton.
He is survived by children, David (Louann) Burton, Laura (Rick) Brothers, Bruce (Nancy) Burton, Robert (Melanie) Burton; grandchildren, Steve (Tiffany) Nelson, Wilson Abel, Amy Brothers, John (Anna) Nelson, Dirk Burton, Christopher (Jessica) Burton, Lauren (Jake) Pollard, Amy Burton, Robin (Matt) Ankerich, Kane Burton, Shelby (Trey) English, Brittney Burton and Rachel Burton; nine great-grandchildren whom he dearly loved; and his sister, Eugenia Burton Lancaster.
The family would like to thank his caregivers Beverly Kemp and Jacci Mcreynolds.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Collier-Butler Funeral Home.
He will lie in repose from 11 a.m. until the noon service at Christ Central Church, 409 W. Grand Ave., Rainbow City, with graveside services and interment at Rainbow Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Sherri Reynolds will officiate. The pallbearers will be grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the church of your choice, to the building fund of Christ Central Church, or the military order of the Purple Heart.
