Jerry Edward Burton
Jerry Edward Burton, 53 of Rochester, passed away at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, at his residence.
On Dec. 18, 2016, Jerry was born. He was nurtured by his foster parents Butch and Susie Dieringer until he reached his second birthday.
With a home filled with love and the desire to share their lives with a new toddler son, Harold and Elaine Morgan Burton adopted Jerry Edward Burton. Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother and sister.
In 1982, as a proud Cavalier, Jerry graduated from Culver Community High School. He was very active in the Future Farmers of America during those years. During his formative years he grew spiritually while attending Whippoorwill Church with his family.
Following high school, patriotism beckoned and Jerry answered the call serving with the United States Army.
On Nov. 3, 1981, Jerry and Katharine “Kathy” Jenkinson were united in holy matrimony at the Whippoorwill Church by Pastor Mayhew. Together they enjoyed more than 31 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two beautiful daughters. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two wonderful grandchildren with the anticipation of the arrival of a new grandson in early June.
Left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his wife, Kathy; two daughters: Melissa Burton (fiancee Nathen Minix), Rochester; Christy (Jimmy) Hornburger, Leiter’s Ford; an adopted daughter: Samantha (Josh) Flores Medina, Winamac; a sister: Tiffany, Kewanna; a brother: Don (Melinda) Burton, Rochester; a foster brother: Daniel Dieringer, Fort Wayne; his foster mother: Susie Dieringer, Huntington; two grandchildren: Caleb Lee Minix and Aliyah Lynn Hornburger; two adopted grandchildren: Aliana Dondorez and Alex Chapman: several cousins, nieces and nephews; and his cherished canine companion, Princess Chi-Chi, the blue chihuahua.
Preceding Jerry in death are his father: Harold Burton, Nov. 10, 1981; his mother: Elaine Burton, March 1, 2011; and an infant daughter: Alisha Lynn Burton, June 7, 198dvbndben5; and his foster father: Butch Dieringer.
A celebration of the life of Jerry E. Burton will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester with Pastor Don Metzger and Pastor Mark Lantz officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, and one hour prior to the funeral home. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.