Arthur Weldon Burt

Arthur Weldon Burt lived a long, rich, and deeply meaningful life (June 18, 1944 – February 14, 2026). He was, above all else, a storyteller.

If you asked Arthur when he was born, you never received just a date. You received a story. He would say:

"I was born twelve days after the D-Day invasion of Normandy-June 6, 1944. I was born on Father's Day at the Norfolk, Virginia Naval Base. I was named after my maternal grandfather, Arthur W. Gilpin. My dad was deployed at sea aboard the aircraft carrier Santee. I grew up in New Jersey, just across the river from Philadelphia. In 1971, I moved to Florida with my wife at the time and my son Brian. I worked for Bird Machine Company as a troubleshooter, which allowed me to travel to thirty-seven countries. I serve the Lord Jesus Christ. I ride with the Faith Riders Motorcycle Group at Lakes Church. My motto is 'Because I said I would.' I am retired now, but I still work part-time as a docent at the Fantasy of Flight Aviation Museum near Lakeland, and at the RP Funding Center. I enjoy the shows, events, and concerts."

That is nearly word-for-word how he answered his grandson Jake when asked about his birthday and where he was born. Yes-Arthur loved to tell stories.

And like many great storytellers, Arthur was modest about himself. He described his career as "troubleshooting," but he was far more than that. He was an engineer, a businessman, a salesman, a manager, and a leader. More importantly, he was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend.

Arthur traveled the world-often with his children-and wherever he went, he made friends. He was a pilot who volunteered year after year at the SUN 'n FUN Fly-In, and his generosity extended well beyond aviation. He gave freely of his time, resources, and heart to organizations and missions that mattered deeply to him and improved the lives of others. Among those close to his heart were One More Child, The JOY FM, the Salvation Army, Talbot House Ministries, and Lighthouse Ministries. In his memory, he would encourage anyone who feels led to support one or more of these causes.

Arthur was preceded in death by his father, Dayton Buck Burt; his mother, Helen Mae Gilpin Fasig; his stepfather, George Fasig; his brother, Donald Fasig; his son, Wayne Arthur Burt; and his sister, Gloria Chadwick.

He is survived by his son Brian (Debbie) Burt; his daughter Kimberlea (Drew) Baker; his grandchildren Steph Eberhardt, Brian Kristophir Burt, Sabrina Baker, Jake Baker, Dory Baker, Sydney Smith, Reagan Smith, and Sophie Smith; and his siblings Dayton (Marion) Burt, Elaine (Roy) Thomas, Linda (Dave) Hartman, and Cherilyn Fasig-Rohrkaste.

Arthur once wrote:

"I have been exceedingly blessed by God with health, peace, comfort, travel, family, friends, and the most beautiful daily sunrises across Lake Parker. As I will be absent from the body and present with the Lord, I want my memorial service to be a 'Celebration of Life.' Note that I believe 'Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God.'"

Today, we honor that wish. We celebrate a life well lived, a story well told, and a man whose joy, faith, and generosity touched countless lives.