Robert Burton

Mr. Robert A. Burton departed his earthly home on October 3rd, 2022, at 72, to celebrate his birthday in Heaven. This sudden and dramatic event has left us with a void in our hearts that can never be filled. He was the 1st born child to the late Ethel Lee {Casey} Burton & V.L. Burton. He was born in Lauderdale County, Ripley, Tenn. Robert confessed his love for Christ at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church in E.C., Ind. by Rev. Eugene Watkins. In 1955, he attended Garfield and Carrie Gosch Elementary Schools in East Chicago, Ind. Robert was very talented and played the snare drums in the school band for many years. He garnered the attention of his scholars for his impressive artwork and unique penmanship and sang in the boys’ choir. After completing his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After Basic Training, he was sent overseas. His duty station was in Seoul, Korea. There, he trained and became a Military Police {M.P.}. After his tour of duty was over, he headed back home. Robert was employed with the Standard Oil Company. Years later, he decided to re-enlist and was stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C. he also lived in Nashville, Tennessee. After years in the south, Robert did a 360 in 1980 he decided to return to Indiana to be near his family. With youth still on his side, he embarked in other types of employment, from carpentry to driving eighteen-wheelers. Robert was never without work. Robert gained over 30 years of coast-to-coast driving. J.B. Hunt and Jet Star Fuel Company were just two of the many firms which clamored over him. He had a meticulous driving record.

Robert had a quick wit and an engaging sense of humor. You never knew what he was going to say next! It was usually hilarious! He was a problem solver and a deep thinker. People often admired him for these traits. He was stubborn, a jokester, and observant, and it was a joy to be in his company. The above are some great adjectives that were used to describe Robert...but most importantly, he was LOVED! His sudden departure has left a void in the hearts of all that knew and loved him.                   

To Cherish his memory, he leaves three daughters: devoted and loving daughter Shavay R. Jackson-Burton {Clarence Sr.}, of Gary, In., Chela A.V. Jackson-Burton of East Chicago, In., and Andrea D. Burton b.k.a. "Neecee," of Fayetteville, N.C., and one son Dustin A. Burton also of Fayetteville, N.C. Two brothers: His right hand and confidant, Mr. Herbert V. Burton b.k.a 'Snook' {Sandra} of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, his Loving Elder brother, Mr. Shelton B. Watkins, Sr. {Brenda} of Germantown, Wisconsin, and last but not least, his only sister {affectionately called 'SiS'}, Ms. Joan-Antoinette Burton, of East Chicago, Indiana.  

To continue the Burton Legacy, he leaves three grandsons that he was extremely proud of Tyeon Oliver and Clarence Oliver Jr. {both are engineering students} of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Quincey A. Burton {an accomplished lineman} of Fayetteville, N.C. Robert also leaves to cherish his memory two very loving nieces who address him as ''Uncle Honk"...Quinanda C. Stafford of East Chicago, Indiana, and Tiffany L. Jones of Carrollton, Ga. His only nephews, Shelton and Brandon Watkins of Germantown, and Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. One uncle, Mr. Daniel Burton, and auntie, Mrs. Lucille Wright, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Robert leaves a cadre of children he helped raise for the past forty years and has remained as a parent in their lives. They affectionately call him ''Na", Pops, and Dad: Curtis Samuels, Emprise Samuels, Cameo Samuels, Robert Murray {Mamps}, Mariah Murray, Marcus Readus, Regina Readus, and Louis Readus.

Robert loved his pets, discussing world news and politics, and being retired. He generated a lot of happiness wherever he went. He was always happy to be around his friend and family.        

Mr. Robert Anthony Burton, you will remain in our hearts and minds forever. You are truly someone special. Robert, you will be dearly missed.

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