William Ree Palmer Burton Jr.

William was born in Indianapolis, IN to William Ree Palmer Burton Sr. and Virginia Louise Burton on March 18, 1947. He attended IPS School 37 and Crispus Attucks High School. He received his GED through the United States Armed Forces Institute. William later received a diploma as a SSGT from the Extension Course Institute Air University, United States Air Force for Command Noncommissioned Officer Academy. He married Stella Ruth Smith on June 26, 1971. William worked at Allison Transmission and General Electric ending his career working at Chrysler for many years as a transmission specialist. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. William was accepted into the United States Marine Corps in April of 1964. Corporal Burton was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in April of 1970. William received good conduct awards and letters of recommendation while enlisted in the Marines. He also received recognition of his service during the period of the Cold War. Later Burton or “Burt" as he was often referred to join the United States Air Force and retired from the USAF as a Master Sergeant. William was known for his love of working on cars, fishing and building and flying model airplanes in his earlier years.

William was preceded in death by his wife Stella R Burton Sr., father William R. P. Burton Sr., mother Virginia L. Burton, sister Sharon Bell, and daughter Tonya Burton.

William is survived by daughter Stella R. Burton Jr, son James Allen Burton, brothers Benge J. Burton and Eric Burton, grandchildren Jamie Burton and Joshua Burton and a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Visitation will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, on July 18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and a Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Errick Peck officiating. Burial will follow at Crown Hill cemetery. A livestream of the service will be available with the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26072569317856

The family of William Burton JR would like to extend our sincere thanks to our cherished family, friends, healthcare staff and Heartland Hospice.