George Edward Burton
Mr. George Edward Burton, 83, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 3:45 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2016, at Life Care Center of Rochester.
On Jan. 31, 1933, George was born in Fulton County a treasured son of Edgar Harold and Grace Arlene Musselman Burton.
Growing up in Liberty Township he shared his childhood with a brother Harold. George graduated from Fulton High School in 1951. During his high school years he played on the Bulldog basketball team and was at catcher for the baseball team. The class of “51” was unique, more like family as thru the years George savored their times spent together, annually at Christmas, the summer picnic and the alumni banquet.
Following high school, patriotism beckoned, George answered the call serving with the United States Army during the Korean War. In October of 2014, he was honored as a member of the Honor’s Flight originating from Fort Wayne.
George and Carol Marie Rogers were married on April 5, 1959, in Francesville. They shared nearly 43 years together. From their union came four handsome sons. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations. A few years after the passing of their spouses, on Feb. 20, 2005, George and Gloria Kay Jenkins were married. Blending their families, they enjoyed over 11 years together.
A lifelong farmer, in the early years, George raised and milked a fine herd of Holsteins. Their farming operation included over 400 acres of corn, hay and beans. He was active with the Farm Bureau, Fulton County 4-H and Rural Youth.
A man of strong faith, George was a member of the Whippoorwill Church for decades. He served as deacon and trustee, for many years. Most recently he attended the 1st Christian Church in Winamac. George was a devoted member of the Pulaski County Chapter of Gideon’s International.
Accomplished in the sport of square dancing, George was a member of the Swinging Dudes until they dissolved. He then became a member of the Tippecanoe Twirlers. To relax he and Gloria enjoyed playing a variety of card games as members of the Pegs & Joker Club.
George is survived by his wife: Gloria; four sons: Dennis Burton and wife Linda of Rochester: Craig Burton and wife Mitzi of Rochester: Bruce Burton and wife Audrey of Camden, Ohio: and Roger Burton and wife Lisa of Scottsdale, Ariz.; two stepchildren: Cathy Field and husband Duane of Winamac, Dave Lee Jenkins and wife Laura of Winamac; nine grandchildren: Scott Burton and wife Jenna of Claypool; Kevin Burton and wife Kimberly of Rochester; Sean Burton and wife Madison of Eaton, Ohio; Kyle Burton and wife Eleny of Fort Wayne; Kara Burton of Camden, Ohio; Jessica Burton of Louisville, Ky.; Alexandra Burton of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Abbagail Burton and friend Zane Olinger of Rochester; Katie Biscella and husband Shane of Logansport; seven stepgrandchildren: Cheryl Raymond and husband Nathan of Fort Wayne; Amanda Mundell of Crown Point; Max Mundell of Hobart; Rachel Mundell of Hobart; Nolan Jenkins of Winamac; Alyssa Jenkins of Indianapolis; and Zane Jenkins of Winamac; four great-grandchildren: McKinley Burton, Harrison Burton, Ellison Burton, Liam Burton; four stepgreat-grandchildren: Jacoby Jenkins, Taelynn Raymond, Katelynn Raymond, Jason Jenkins; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding George in death are his parents, wife Carol on March 15, 2001; brother: Harold Burton on Nov. 10, 1981; and a grandson Daniel Duane Field in March of 1991.
A celebration of the life of George Edward Burton will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 1, at the Good family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with pastors Brian Sewell and Rick Abbott will officiate services. Friends may visit with the family from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.
Interment will be in the Fulton Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the US Army Military rites team.
Memorials may be made to Pulaski County Gideon’s, envelopes are available at the funeral home.