Johnny Lester Burton

Johnny Lester Burton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at Carillion Roanoke Memorial on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on December 3, 1953, in Summersville, West Virginia, Thelma Marie Cole. Johnny spent the past 46 years building a life full of love, laughter, and lasting connections in the Eggleston, VA community he proudly called home.

Johnny answered the call to serve his country shortly after turning 18, joining the United States Army—a commitment he carried with pride throughout his life. His strength, work ethic, and deep sense of loyalty were evident in everything he did, but nothing meant more to him than his family.

On December 22, 1979, he married the love of his life, Wanda (Riggs) Burton. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children: Pamela (Dale), Rick (Christina), Amanda (Russ), and Johnny Lee (Deanna). He also held a special place in his heart for his “favorite child,” his beloved fur companion, Tonka. Johnny was a devoted and loving father whose guidance, humor, and steady presence shaped the lives of his children in immeasurable ways. His work ethic was instilled into his children.

Johnny was a man who found joy in the simple and meaningful things. He had a passion for cars, fishing, playing pool and took great pride in his military service, and loved to dance. Many will remember him out on the dance floor at the Moose Lodge, where his smile and energy were impossible to miss. He was a true pillar of his community, someone people could count on, someone who made others feel welcome, and someone who left every place a little brighter.

His greatest joy came from his grandchildren: Colin (Kelsey), Skyler, Logan (Nicole), Kim, Alyssa (JJ), Makayla (Evan), Austin, Ryan, Vivian, and Kirsten. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Cody, Colton, Madelyn, Junior, Owen, and Carter, with one more on the way. He took immense pride in each of them, always encouraging their dreams, celebrating their accomplishments, and loving them unconditionally.

Johnny is survived by his siblings: Betty, Shirley, Larry, Delores (Bootsie), Linda, Donna, Judy, Becky, and Billy. He was preceded in death by his mom Thelma Marie Cole and siblings Lisa, Jamie, Patricia, and Pamela. He also treasured his extended family, including Ron Young (Grace), Freddy (Pam) Dalton, his Moose Lodge family, and the many friends and loved ones whose lives he touched. Johnny’s kindness, humor, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at 5pm-7pm on Thursday April 2, 2026 at Kendall Funeral Home with a short service to follow. Funeral services will conclude in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery on Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM where Military Honors will be presented. The family has a special request for Dad’s classic-car family. He would enjoy it if you would be willing to bring your classic cars to the service on Thursday. If you would like to be a part of the procession, we will leave Kendall Funeral Home on April 3, 2026 at 10:00 am please join us and bring your classic cars. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent directly to Kendall Funeral Home to assist in off-setting funeral expenses. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Burton family.