Robert Lee Burton

Born February 1, 1924, in Murray County, GA, to Annie (Gordon) Burton. He married Eula E. Burton on November 17, 1945, in Etowah County, AL. She preceded him in death after 56 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Jimmy Burton.

Surviving are his six children: Patricia Diane Claassen Garcia of Plainfield, Barbara (Jack) Mervis of Bloomington, Pamela Deems of Rome, GA, Debra (Conrad) Johnson of Peoria, Sheila Raschert of Metamora, and Mike (Connie) Burton of Metamora; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Arthur of Marietta, GA; and one sister, Evelyn Tyler.

Robert joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), where he spent six months working in a camp that provided manual labor opportunities for young, unmarried men during the Great Depression.

At the age of 18, Robert enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1943, where he served briefly as a Gunner, then as Company K 28th Infantry Private 1st Class. Robert landed on Normandy Beach nine days after D-Day and served in the European Theater throughout campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. In recognition of his service and bravery, he was awarded four battle stars, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was honorably discharged October 27, 1945.

He later settled in Peoria, where he built a long career with Caterpillar Inc. For more than 32 years, he worked as a skilled trades welder in East Peoria, IL, and was an active member of UAW Local 974, serving in several leadership roles including Union Steward, Chief Steward, and Grievance Committeeman. He retired on July 1, 1982

Visitation will be held at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61614, on May 5, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral Service will take place the following morning, on May 6, 2026, at 11:00 am. A Graveside Service to follow will be held at Springdale Cemetery

Memorials may be made to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight.