David Newell Burton, age 80, of Spanish Fork, Utah, died November 27, 2020, in Spanish Fork. He was born in Roosevelt, Utah, on January 19, 1940, to Ellis McMillan Burton and Laura Loretta Swasey. Dave was the oldest of 10 children who had lots of fun and worked hard on the farm in Talmage, Utah.
Dave is survived by his sweetheart, Sandy; and his son, Jared (CathyAnn); and 4 grandchildren: Lora, Ethan, Hailey and Jade. He is also survived by his siblings: Barry Burton, Linda Johnson, Ruthann Winterton, Jean Thacker, Nelson Burton, Jacalyn Redd, Craig Burton, Keven Burton, and Leonora Burton. Dave is also survived by many special nieces and nephews, as well as some additional “adopted” children.
David married his eternal companion, Sandra Oberhansly Burton, on August 7, 1968, in the Salt Lake Utah Temple. That union has lasted 52 years. Together they raised Jared in a loving home where examples of service abounded. David was a devoted husband and father and spread compassion throughout his life.
Dave excelled as a diesel mechanic in Utah and Washington before he accepted a position as an associate professor at Utah Valley University where he taught for over 20 years. He spent many hours mentoring his students and was beloved by students and faculty alike.
He was a cowboy through and through. He loved the Old West. He loved fishing, hunting and camping. He enjoyed cruising and looked forward to his family vacations before school started, in the Fall, each year. He was always up for an adventure to see new places and encounter new experiences. He loved his friends and they him. He always made everyone feel loved.
Dave was a strong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a valiant mission to Northern California. He took to heart the Savior’s example to love and serve his fellowmen. He was generous and always willing to share of himself. He has left a legacy of service and love. He was a blessing to many and will be missed.
The family thanks Valeo Home Health and Hospice and the nurses who took such tender care and displayed warmth and compassion to Dave during his final days. Thank you, Jessica, Kiley and Tanica.
A viewing will be held at Walker Funeral Home in Spanish Fork on Wednesday evening, December 2, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. and also on Thursday morning, December 3rd from 10-11 a.m. at the Wolf Hollow Ward building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 870 E Canyon Road, Spanish Fork, Utah. The funeral will be held in the chapel of the same church at 11 a.m. Services will be broadcast from the church at the following link.
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/spanishforkutahsouthstake
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
7 Condolences for David Burton
Condolences(7)
Kent Burton says
December 1, 2020 at 3:56 amDear Sandy,
This is David’s cousin Kent. I was so sorry to hear about David’s passing. He was such a great guy. He always seemed happy and up-beat in spite of his medical issues. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with you and David when I rehabbed his knees. I always left your home feeling uplifted and grateful to have David as my cousin. May the Lord bless, comfort and sustain you at this time of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Warren says
December 1, 2020 at 6:03 pmSandra, my heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Etholene Cornaby says
December 1, 2020 at 11:53 pmDear Sandy & family: I just wanted to send our best wishes to you at the passing of David. I can still remember in my mind his infectious laugh and twinkle in his eye. May the Lord bless and comfort you to know all is well. Love to you, Etholene & Douglas Cornaby
Napier and Alice Swasey family says
December 2, 2020 at 12:48 pmOur sincere condolences from the Napier and Alice Swasey family.
Cody Olsen says
December 5, 2020 at 4:58 amSandy and Jared
My heart goes out to you. Dave was such a blessing to so many people. I have many fond memories of him. I will always remember his smile and laugh. You were blessed to have him for so many years. What a blessing it is to know that you will get to be with him again.
Douglas Bradley says
December 2, 2020 at 9:09 pmDear Sandy: Dave was such a great friend and co-worker. There was hardly ever a dull moment when Dave was around. I will always remember the time we spent on the dessert and out shooting. I know he will be missed by everybody, including his many students. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jared at this time.
Doug and Virginia Bradley
Sharon M. Nelson says
December 3, 2020 at 4:50 pmDear Sandy, Jared and family, Our hearts go out to you at this time of great loss, but thankfully you are united as an eternal family and will have the privilege and blessing of enjoying eternity together!! As we read David’s obituary and you spoke of his loving nature and his caring for so many, we thought HOW TRUE THAT IS!!! In fact, when Don sent a text to our children about his passing, all eight of our living children responded back immediately with feelings of gratitude for the blessing he was in their lives and much sympathy for your great loss. We also hope our Josh was among those to welcome him home and to thank him for being such a great blessing in his life AND to soak up the JOY David immediately brought to Heaven with him!!! We love you and will be keeping you all in our prayers, Don, and Sharon Nelson and family
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