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William Burton Obituary

William G. "Bill" Burton 1915 ~ 2007 William Gibby Burton, "Grandpa Bill" to his 100 descendants, slipped peacefully through the veil early Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, at the home of Grant and Pattee Burton where he was lovingly cared for the last three months. He was 92. Born May 24, 1915, in Talmage, Utah, to Henry F. and Josephine Breeze Burton, he lived from age one to his death in Salt Lake City. He married Zella Isabelle Scott on Aug. 23, 1940, in the Salt Lake Temple. He always said that was the best thing that ever happened to him. She passed away in 1993, and he lived until October in the home he built for her 67 years ago, surrounded by paintings, violins, sculptures, and furniture created by his talented hands. As a teen during the Depression, Bill began working and never really retired. He loved wood and tools, which led to his life's work as a carpenter. He was employed by Doxey-Layton, Richard Burton, and Ray Springer construction companies, and his legacy continues in homes he built throughout the valley. He was a caring and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a friend to everyone he met. He loved to share stories and was always there for those who needed a project done. He served an LDS mission in Czechoslovakia from 1935 to 1938, and kept close ties to the Czech missionaries and members. He was a high priest in the McKinley Ward and loved attending the temple. Bill is survived by his children: Elaine Patten, Janet (Keith) Seegmiller, Grant (Pattee) Burton, Charles (Nancy) Burton, Howard (Rebecca) Burton, and Lenore (Roger) Cox; 35 grandchildren; 54 (going on 60) great-grandchildren; and brothers, Richard B. and John B. Burton. Preceded in death by his beloved wife; grandson, Matthew Jones; his parents; brothers, Joseph B. and Robert H. Burton, and sister, Barbara B. Wanberg. Services will be Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 11:00 a.m. in the Belvedere Ward, 607 E. Downington Avenue, Salt Lake City. Viewings New Year's Day from 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 255 S. 200 E., Salt Lake City, and Wednesday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.

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Published by Deseret News from Dec. 30 to Dec. 31, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for William Burton

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Kathy Baebler

January 3, 2008

I always enjoyed bringing Bill's meal on wheels once a week so we could chat. He was a wonderful man!

Steven and Jennifer Butcher and Family

January 3, 2008

We are so grateful for our association with Brother Burton. We've been in his ward for about 11 years. We will always remember his giant smile and positive attitude. He would greet us warmly whenever we met. He left a great legacy and the funeral was a wonderful tribute to his life. What a lucky family you are. We pray the Lord will continue to bless you and that you will find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of him.

David Doxey

January 2, 2008

To the Burton Family:
How fortunate you are to have such a fine father and brother. We so appreciate his loyal friendship and craftsmanship as we worked together in our family business. We are reminded every day of his carpentry skills as we benefit from them in our home he built 30 years ago. He was always so friendly and pleasant to be around. We have continued to enjoy his friendship often at the temple. We offer our sympathy and gratitude for his righteous life. Unfortunately we are out of town and unavailable to attend the service.
David and Joanne Doxey

Doug Hunsaker

January 2, 2008

Dear Elaine,
I am very sorry to hear of your dad's death. He was a very kind man and a super neighbor of 41 years. I think of your family often.

January 1, 2008

A great legacy.

Konnie Zissi

January 1, 2008

Dear Janet & Family,
Your Dad & Mom were a wonderful example of the church even to someone who was not a member at the time. They never treated me differently. I remember him passing by my Moms house to go to church and when I was visiting here from Ca. I'd stop and talk to him. We now live here in So. Jordan, and when my husband and I go to Ivins to visit Kathie & her husband I think of you as we pass Cedar City knowing you are there somewhere close. Some of us girls from South High get together every few months and do dinner or lunch, it would be great if sometime you could join us.
Love Konnie (King) Zissi

Harmony Packer

December 31, 2007

Miss you Grandpa! I'll see you and Grandma in the next life. Thanks for your love and the wonderful memories.

Barbara Asay Kryger

December 31, 2007

Howard, sorry to here of the past of your Father . I lost mine in 1992. I no how it is tolose some so important as you Dad was to you I remember when you Broke your Leg and I had visit with you and your Dad wa there with you. Best wishes for you and your Family at his passing Barbara Asay- Kryger

Emilie Hicks

December 30, 2007

I will always remember the bike rides and the trips to Liberty Park.
Much Love Grandpa....
Emilie

Paul & Dianne Scott

December 30, 2007

Dear Burton Family - We loved and admired Uncle Bill. What a wonderful man who inspired us all. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Love to all.

Kathie (Renshaw) Taylor

December 30, 2007

Dear Burton Family,
I grew up around the corner from the Burtons. I remember playing in their back yard, and 'kick the can' in front of their house on Richards Street. I went to South with Janet, and I knew all the children when they were little. Your Mom and Dad were wonderful people, and a great example to me growing up. Mr Burton, as I called him, passed by my house walking to Church, he always smiled and said "Hi". My mom called "Bill" when she needed a hand to fix something around the house. He never said no. I will always have loving memories of your Mom and Dad and family. My sincere sympathy.

Tara Wayne (Moss-Marilyn Wanberg)

December 30, 2007

It's always sad when another "Great" one has to leave this earth. "Uncle Bill" gave me my first violin! His greatness will be very useful in the Spirit World. I'm sorry I won't be there to be with the family, but I'm thinking of you. Love, Tara

The Berretts

December 30, 2007

We were Bill's neighbors (across the street). We loved Bill very much and will miss him greatly.

Bob Hays

December 30, 2007

Bill was always a wonderful man and friend altho I had not seen him in the past 42 years

whitney patten

December 30, 2007

I always loved Grandpa Bill. He was an amazing man.
Whitney Patten

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