Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Alex Burton Obituary
Mr. Burton is a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. According to his TRHoF bio, he was a native Canadian who came to Texas in 1961 and DFW in 1962, starting as a cameraman/reporter for what was then WBAP/Channel 5.
One of the people Mr. Burton worked with was CBS' Bob Schieffer, who's from Fort Worth. Note the last sentence of the following quote.
"Alex actually was the 10 p.m. anchor for a short time," Schieffer told our Bud Kennedy in an e-mail. "Then I came back from Vietnam and Bobbie Wygant invited me to be on her noon show to talk about the war. After the show, the station offered me the job as anchor of both -- they didn't call it anchor back then -- and I took it, mainly for the money. ... Alex then shifted to the midnight news where he did a wacky news cast in which he often discussed the stories with a potted palm tree he called Arthur."
In 1968, Mr. Burton left to become news director of KDTV/Channel 39. The station only last two years. Soon after its demise, he joined the staff at what was then KRLD/Channel 4. Then he went to KRLD radio, where he spent 20 years, reporting stories from Central America, Canada, England, France, Germany, Israel, Australia, and both Chinas, as well as Texas.
Mr. Burton is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Tokar of Dallas; two daughters, Mila Isabella of Dallas and Sylvia Mansfield in Los Angeles.
Memorials may be made to the Press Club of Dallas Scholarship Fund in care of E.M. Duvall & Associates, 329 Oaks Trail, No. 190 Garland, Texas 75043.
Memories and Condolences
for Alex Burton
14 Entries
October 19, 2012
I first met Alex at the Banff school of Fine Arts in Alberta, Canada in 1952. He was enrolled in Acting and Stagecraft classes. 60 years ago, old friend! I will miss you. God bless you Mary Jane. Rod Sample, Victoria, BC.
Brook Campbell
September 24, 2012
My family will miss seeing Mr.Burton every year at Tuba Christmas. He was a true friend of the arts. I am so thankful that he was part of my son's life.
September 23, 2012
My father, John S. Tyler speaks highly of Mr. Burton. He sends his regrets that he will not be at the service today. He is in the hospital. He is sending me in his place. Our family sends their thoughts and prayers to your family and to all that loved and respected Mr. Burton.
Warmest thoughts from our hearts,
Angela Tyler~ 214-535-6079
George R. Schrader
September 20, 2012
My sympathy and condolences in the loss of Alex Burton – respected journalist professional, and admired friend – one of enormous talent. I always looked forward to his visit to cover a story while I worked at Dallas City Hall – for the often unique slant he brought to it. I welcomed, when I was up with late night television, watching his “visit with the rubber tree” and, I took special note of his affectionate term for his wife.
He was a special guy, one I appreciated and will miss.
George R. Schrader,
Former City Manager, City of Dallas
Louise Tokar
September 19, 2012
Will miss you Uncle Alex, you were quite a presence.
Mary Whitehead
September 17, 2012
What a loss to this area! He was one of a kind. I loved his radio programs on KRLD...especially his friend, "the Pidgeon." What wisdom that bird gave us. Rest in Peace, Alex.
Wallace Campbell
September 17, 2012
I can still see Alex eating his first Texas chicken fried steak. Gravy on his beard and having the time of his life. Alex always lived like he was having the time of his life.
Barbara "BK" Turning
September 14, 2012
Gratitude to you, Alex ! A friend and saint for having answered Bob Magruder's call to work with our merry band of voice actors. You were poignant, a wonderful friend and ally. Thank you for allowing me to be at your bedside at the last hours: for the obvious strength to respond. Grateful to have been a part of this journey. Blessings to your family.
September 14, 2012
Rest in peace Alex. I was just telling my wife about the time we did a remote broadcast together on KRLD at Market Hall. I gave you a ride home. You asked me if I would like to come in and have a beer. Of course, I said "yes". Alex had an array of brews from around the world. We sampled many for several hours. I recall driving the KRLD van to my home in Carrollton. Thank God I made it. Alex, thanks for inviting me into your home on that day. I will always remember it. What a wonderful talent, pipes and broadcast legend. I will miss you.
Terry Bell
Ardmore, Oklahoma
September 14, 2012
I was one of those lucky people who got to know you and work with you Alex. It was a delighful joy to work with you. I am very saddened for the loss of one who enriched the lives of thousands of us.
Meredyth Petree
September 14, 2012
Alex, a wonderfully unique individual who lived life the way he wanted to. Alex entertained and educated me in so many ways. I am a better person for knowing him and will miss him a great deal. Deepest sympathies to his family.
September 13, 2012
thank you ALEX for all the laughs and how you entertained us over the years, wish others was like you. as you had a way that 'the others' dont have now
Jerry Cabluck
September 13, 2012
I read that today my old friend Alex Burton,,Canadian, radio, tv, and all around great person passed away..We were expecting this, Mike Cochran called me earlier to tell me that he was ill. I haven't seen Alex for many years, but on the phone talking to him last week those years dissolved away..I asked him if I could pray for him, which I did. He thanked me, I asked him if he knew Jesus, of which he said yes, very much and that he will see him soon. My prayers for family. One day we will see many of our loved ones waiting for us...page 2, I think I mentioned that Alex, Bill Foster (reporter) and I were chased by a bull in Laredo as we were running to a DC 3 plane...going to Mexico City...way back in 1960 or 61...gonna dig out the pix,,soon..Foster is gone..many are going..God Bless this time we have here. There is a better place.
Sharon Blackmore
September 13, 2012
Alex you were classic and one of a kind. You will be missed.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Alex Burton's name
How to support Alex's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Alex Burton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more