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BORN
1937
DIED
2016
Tony Burton Obituary
Burton died Feb. 25 in California after a long illness, according to multiple news sources.
The actor played the character Tony "Duke" Evers, Apollo Creed's trainer in the first two films in the "Rocky" series that starred Sylvester Stallone. Before that, Burton was a Golden Gloves heavyweight boxing champion during the 1950s in Michigan.
Actor Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed, Rocky’s nemesis, shared his condolences Friday in a tweet.
“@E_Woodyard @TheSlyStallone Sad news. RIP Tony Burton. His intensity and talent helped make the Rocky movies successful. #BePeace,” Weathers tweeted.
Burton, a native of Flint, Michigan, appeared in six "Rocky" movies and went on to co-star on the TV series "Frank's Place."
His other credits include "Assault on Precinct 13," "Sanford and Son," "The Shining," "The A-Team," "Twin Peaks" and "NYPD Blue."
Burton's illness prevented him from acting in "Creed," the latest "Rocky" film, but his sister told Michigan Live, "There's a scene in the restaurant of that movie where his picture is on the wall."
Burton, a California resident for the past 30 years, is survived by his wife, Rae. He was preceded in death by his son, Martin, who died of a heart attack in 2014.
Memories and Condolences
for Tony Burton
74 Entries
Chip Fitts
January 31, 2025
AS BIG ARTHUR THE COOK IN THE TV SERIES "FRANK'S PLACE" WHICH STARRED TIM REID AND AIRED ON CBS IN THE LATE 80'S (1987-88), THE SETTING WAS NEW ORLEANS. R.I.P. I CAN'T SEE ANYONE ELSE AS BIG ARTHUR.
tommy Burton
February 28, 2017
To my family your gone but never forgotten love u to.
Lisa Weiner
October 17, 2016
To tony burton,
You were a very talented actor . I enjoyed watching you in the rocky films . My prayers go to you, your family& friends. Lisa weiner
R J
May 28, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Burton family. Tony will be missed so much. When I was a kid I always would think, I wish he was my father because of the instant respect I had for him and his roles on film. He is resting peacefully and will live again. I look forward to meeting him.
John 5:25
chris surrett
March 21, 2016
i really enjoyed tony in the rocky movies my heart goes out to the family
March 8, 2016
Dear Rae & Family: So sorry for your loss of your beloved husband Tony. Also sorry to hear of the loss of your son In 2014. God sees your tears and feels your pain. Throw all your anxieties on the Lord because he cares for you. Deepest sympathy.
Allison Dupont
March 7, 2016
America's hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Joan McKinnie-Sanders
March 6, 2016
Lit a candle for the memory of Tony Burton.
March 5, 2016
So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. The Rocky movies are such a big part of my childhood. Prayers to the family for the loss and their sorrow. Tony will be greatly missed.
RIP Good Sir.
Rob F. Littleton, CO
JENNI LAROE
March 4, 2016
Rest in peace Mr. Burton. My sincerest condolences to the family.
vernon andrews
February 29, 2016
Vernon Andrews Tony was my Deacon at MT Hebron Baptist Church in played a big roll in the transformation of my life I will be for ever grateful
February 29, 2016
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Tony and extend my sincere condolences. Over the years I've enjoyed his work. Thank you to his wife for sharing him with us.
February 29, 2016
My condolence to the family. Life in this world brings tears and pain. Find comfort in knowing God understands your pain and cares. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
February 29, 2016
Tony will be missed by many people. Take courage. The deceased are still in God's memory.
February 29, 2016
Another star in the sky lighting the way. You will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace.
February 29, 2016
I am so sorry for your lost Mrs.Burton,
although he lived a very public life
because of his chosen profession, the love
and life you shared is private and so is
your grief. Out of all the things that he accomplished Tony was able to bring joy to the
hearts of millions. Nehemiah 13:31
He will be remembered by millons.
Carl Hayes
February 29, 2016
A wonderful person who will be missed. My God comfort the family in there time of loss
Tamara M. Tolliver
February 29, 2016
Rest in Peace Mr. Burton.
February 28, 2016
My condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. May you find comfort and hope in God's Word.
William H. Hines
February 28, 2016
Rest in peace My brother
Steven
February 28, 2016
Rip Tony Burton! he was an amazing actor. To his wife Rae and family my heartfelt condolences.God Bless! Prayers to the family.Bon voyage Mr.Burton
philip tartaglia
February 28, 2016
God bless Tony family. Great actor he will be missed you can never be replace. Rip Tony Burton aka duke
Parker Parrott
February 28, 2016
God is with him.
marcia
February 28, 2016
am so sorry for your loss. my the God of all comfort, at 2 corn 1:3,4 comfort the family. thru this difficult time.
February 28, 2016
To the family:
I share your sorrow, as I, too, have lost many of my loved ones in death. Please accept my condolences, and remember that God sees everything that occurs under his eyesight. These things shall come to past.
Rastus Coleman
February 28, 2016
You truly made the Rocky movies better.
Bless You for your dedication to your
work and family.
e. rohde
February 27, 2016
Sincere condolences to the family. Loved you in Rocky and everything else through the years!
February 27, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family.
May the God of peace, console the
family during the loss of your
dear beloved one.
May the family forever cherish the
positive and happy times shared
together.
During the days ahead may the LORD
guide and give you the needed
strength to endure.
My heartfelt prayers are with
the family.
(Psalms 121)
TE, New Orleans, Louisiana
Sheila
February 27, 2016
Godspeed Tony.
Tammy Davis
February 27, 2016
My condolence are with the Burton family and friends. Prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Mattie
February 27, 2016
RIP, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow
M A
February 27, 2016
I send my regrets and deep sorrow for the family and friends. Do know God is not to blame and is very concerned about your pain at this moment. Psalms 55:14-17,22 May his peace be with you all.
February 27, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one.Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
February 27, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
February 27, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Grady Youngblood
February 27, 2016
Tony Burton is the Greatest Actor Known as Apollo Creed's Trainer Duke on Rocky Movies; Tv & Movies.
Sally McCoy Selma, CA 93662
February 27, 2016
to the family of Mr.Burton. i am so sad to have heard about his death. He was a very strong actor. Especially in the Rocky Series. Thank you for allowing us to share his talent. God bless you, your family, closest friends and the whole world and his fans.
Palmers
February 27, 2016
Rest in peace Champ.
Cheryl Lynn
February 27, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr.Burton.Cherish the wonderful legacy he left behind.Take comfort in the everlasting arms of Amighty God to carry you through this difficult time-Deuteronomy 33:27.
February 27, 2016
This is very sad news. Mr. Tony will be missed. My sympathy to his family.
February 27, 2016
My condolences to The Burton Family. May the "Peace of God"(Phillipians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such a loss.
February 27, 2016
RIP
February 27, 2016
Tony, your acting was the best. Enjoyed your character in the Rocky Films.
Jim LoPresto, retired Physics Professor, Edinboro, PA.
Erik Weseman
February 26, 2016
Mr. Burton, I grew up watching the "Rocky" movies when I was a kid and I recognize you as Apollo Creed's trainer Duke. I own all of those movies. I also remember you as pirate Billy Jukes in the 1991 Peter Pan film "Hook", which I also own. Rest in Peace.
February 26, 2016
Family & Friends,
Deepest condolences to you all. RIP, Mr. Burton.
Rhonda, MD
Bret Rowe
February 26, 2016
R.I.P, Mr. Burton. I enjoyed your portrayal of Duke in the Rocky movies very much.
February 26, 2016
My condolences on your.loss. please accept the comfort and peace from Gods word. Isaiah 65:17,23-25;33:24
Psalms 55:22
February 26, 2016
To the Burton Family,
You have my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. May our Heavenly Father hear your plead for comfort to sustain you during this most grievous time.
John and Brenda
February 26, 2016
Our heartfelt condolences to the Burton family for your loss. Our prayers are offered in your behalf as you draw close to God knowing that he will draw close to you--James 4:8. Remembering Tony with much fondness!
Artesia Gilliam
February 26, 2016
Rip Champ God Bless A job well done.
February 26, 2016
God Bless You Sir!
February 26, 2016
Losing a dear loved one like Mr. Tony Burton can bring much grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. I love the promise at Psalm 147:3, "He heals the broken hearted; He binds up their wounds." May it bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Dedria Jenkins
February 26, 2016
RIP Tony Burton, God bless your soul, My Condolences to the family.
Sheila D Johnson
February 26, 2016
RIP, Blessing & Strength to the Family.
Scott Chamberland
February 26, 2016
Rest in Peace
February 26, 2016
Deepest condolences. Not many people get to spend their lives doing what they love. May God provide you with strength and comfort during this difficult time
Tammy Crenshaw
February 26, 2016
RIP
Harry Simpson
February 26, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
G. Freeman
February 26, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nita Johnson
February 26, 2016
To Mrs. Rae Burton and family, Tony was a great man and Actor. Several years ago my son Derrick and I had a short conversation with him in Stater Bros' about the movie "Assault on Precinct 13". Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Blessings!
Debra Smith-Meriweather
February 26, 2016
To Mrs. Burton & Family:
I've watch all the the "Rocky" movies so many times I think of Mr. Burton, Carl Weathers, and Sylvester Stallon as "relatives!" Farewell, Mr. Burton. My favorite line in the Rocky II movie was when you told Apollo Creed: "Let it go! Let it go!" Now we must "let you go" to be with The Lord. However, your memory will always live with all of us who enjoyed your acting so much! Thanks for all your efforts. Now rest in eternal peace.
Ron Ciancutti
February 26, 2016
Sleep well, Mr. Burton. As a devoted Rocky fan I can hear your words as you inspire Rocky in Russia while holding back tears telling him he needs to make sure Apollo did not die in vain. In Rocky 6 - telling him it's time for "blunt force trauma." In Rocky 3 telling Rock, "It'll be nice working with you, had enough of working against you." And this Sunday when Sly closes a 40 year loop and takes home an Oscar for Creed, you can be the angel on his shoulder. In my opinion you already are. Your voice will resonate in my head forever. God Bless you, "Tony." You made the difference.
Charlene Romanski
February 26, 2016
So sad
February 26, 2016
God bless this family, he was a great actor.
A fan
Terence & Todd Burton
February 26, 2016
REST IN PEACE OUR GOOD FRIEND ... Job well done on Earth ... FROM THE GOSPEL GROUP "HALF MILE HOME "
February 26, 2016
This is very sad news. He will be missed by all. May the God of all comfort be with you.
February 26, 2016
Please except my condolences. May the God of Creation give you comfort and strength. I know Mr. Burton will be deeply missed.
JULIE ROSASRIO
February 26, 2016
REST IN PEACE TONY MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOUR SOUL AND YOUR LOVE ONES. GREAT ACTOR.
Teresa
February 26, 2016
May the peace of God surround your family. John 3:16
ELDER JOE E. COLSON, JR AND FAMILY
February 26, 2016
PRAYER ARE WITH YOU'LL!
tina t
February 26, 2016
I AM DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE.PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN THE FACT THAT"ALMIGHTY GOD HAS SENT HIS SON TO BIND UP THE BROKENHEARTED AND COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN".ISAIAH 61:1-2
Carolyn Murray
February 26, 2016
To The Burton Family,
It was a pleasure to watch Mr. Tony in the "Rocky Film Series"; also the other TV performances (Sanford & Son, Frank's Place) etc. May our God surround your family at this time of bereavement; his almighty power will heal the pain & suffering. An awesome actor! RIP Mr. Tony
Showing 1 - 74 of 74 results
Memorial Events
for Tony Burton
Mar
4
Service
1:00 p.m.
Immanuel Baptist Church
28355 Base Line, Highland, CA
Sponsored