David Earl Burton

Mr. David Earl Burton was born on April 12, 1952, in Toledo, Ohio, to the loving union of Sammy L. and Esther Pearl Burton. As the eldest of six children, David grew up on Woodland Avenue, where he learned early the values of family, strength, and resilience. Raised in the faith, he was a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church during his youth. His mother, Esther Pearl, was a true pillar in his life-her unwavering love, steadfast faith, and quiet strength grounded him and helped shape the man he ultimately became.

David was educated in the Toledo Public School system and proudly graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School in 1970. He later continued his studies by completing several courses at Davis College, Toledo, OH.

A man who loved to travel and experience life beyond familiar borders, David eventually relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, a place he came to call home. He was employed with Sims Metal (Aerospace) as a dedicated laborer for many years, faithfully serving until his retirement in 2017. David returned to Toledo, OH, and reaffirmed his faith in Christ, joining Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Sylvester Rome.

David had a spirited personality and a warm, soulful presence. He deeply loved good music, especially rhythm and blues-one of his favorite songs being "You're a Friend of Mine" by Patti LaBelle. He never shied away from dancing, laughing, and enjoying life to the fullest. He took great pride in his Cadillac, his dream car, and found joy in simple pleasures like barbequing, savoring Black Cherry ice cream, and indulging in his niece Keisha's cheesecake with cherries.

He lived by a personal code rooted in honesty, accountability, and wisdom. David often shared his motto: "The choices you make dictate the life you live. Evaluate what has happened; apply what you have learned." He firmly believed that standing by one's word should never be broken. He was known to say, "I have nothing but my word and my '_____,' and I don't break them for nobody!" He also reminded others that "Life is what you make it. If it does not fit, make the necessary alterations." These guiding truths shaped his journey and inspired those who knew him.

David is preceded in death by his father, Sammy Sr., mother, Esther Pearl Burton, brother Larry (and wife Elaine), and niece Monique Burton.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Kristy Burton of Hartford, CT; four (4) siblings, Michael (Toledo, OH), Beverly Ann (Toledo, OH), Sammy (aka "Junior") (Tracy), Newport News, VA, and April (aka "BabyCakes") Burton, Las Vegas, NV. He is also survived by his five (5) nieces, Samantha Nance, Keisha Taylor, and LeAnna Burton (Toledo, OH), Mehka (Lyndhurst, NJ), and Najja Omarimuhammad (Las Vegas, NV); three (3) nephews, Nicholas (New Orleans, LA), Orlando (Newport News, VA), and Brandon (Tavia) Burton (Herndon, VA); three (3) great-nephews, Terrell Nance Jr, Javen and Dallas Taylor, one (1) great-niece, TaKyra Nance; two (2) great-great nephews, Denver Nance and Kyro Burton, and one (1) great-great niece, Lola-Rae Nance, along with extended relatives and friends who were touched by his warm spirit, humor, and unforgettable presence.

David Earl Burton lived life on his own terms, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those blessed to know him. May his memory continue to bring comfort, strength, and joy to all who cherished him.