Thomas E. Burton Jr.

Thomas Edgar (Tom) Burton Jr. died at his home in Tuscumbia on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, at the age of 88 years. He was born in Tuscumbia to Eva Howard and Thomas Edgar Burton Sr. and was a lifelong citizen of Colbert County. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Tuscumbia Church of Christ, where he was an active member. The family will receive guests from 6-8 p.m. today at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia and from 2-3 p.m. at the church Sunday.

Mr. Burton graduated from Deshler High School in 1939. After high school, he attended the University of Alabama, but his education was interrupted when the United States entered World War II and he answered his country's call to join the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942. During the War, he served in both the First and Third Marine Divisions in the Pacific Theater. He was among those who encountered fierce resistance during the invasion of Guam and the eventual defeat of the island's Japanese occupiers. Burton's military experience also included action at Guadalcanal, Emirau Island, Tulagi, and many other combat engagements throughout the South Pacific.

At the end of World War II in 1945, Mr. Burton returned to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he graduated in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and History. After returning to the Shoals area, he married the former Romie Farris, of Eldridge, Ala., and the couple celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary Feb. 9 of this year.

Mr. Burton was a leader in community service and Tuscumbia business throughout his life. In the 1950s, he taught in the Veterans Continuation School. Later, he was elected to two successive six-year terms as Tax Assessor of Colbert County. He left public office to form his own real estate business, which he managed for more than 20 years. After his retirement, Burton again entered public life to run for Colbert County Commission. He was elected and served one four-year term on the commission. Mr. Burton was an active member of American Legion Post No. 31, where he held many positions of leadership, including post commander and recently that of chaplain.

He is survived by Romie Farris Burton, his wife of 57 years; son, Thomas Howard Burton (Garen), Denver, Colo.; son, Charles Steven Burton, Rogers, Ark.; daughter, Kathryn Jeanette Peebles (Tony), Tuscumbia; son, Philip Alan Burton (Kay), Tuscumbia; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Morrison Funeral Home is directing