Lyman Darrell Burton

Lyman "Darrell" Burton age 80, died October 18th after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born on January 29th 1939 in Salt Lake City to Melvin and Euleta Burton. He was the fifth of six children and the only son.

As a young boy, Darrell woke up before school to milk the cows and complete family chores. He attended Woodstock Elementary, Central Junior High, and graduated from Olympus High School in 1957.

He and his siblings had an amazing childhood, having the entirety of Millcreek as their playground. Their days were spent swimming in Cottonwood Creek, riding horses, and biking to the Old Mill. In the winter, they enjoyed sleigh riding through open fields near their family home and ice skating at Wright's Pond.

Every summer his family loved to vacation in Yellowstone. They loved to fish, waterski and interact with bears that would visit their camp.

His first job was a paper route in the East Millcreek area. Every morning at 5 o’clock, papers were delivered in rain, shine, or snow. He soon bought a three-wheeled motorcycle, and his dog Shep ran alongside for moral support.

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a mission to the Southern States from 1959 to 1961, which included Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. After his mission, he joined the Army reserves and served from 1961 to 1967. 

On September 10th 1962, Darrell married his "Texas flower" Gayle Clements in the Logan Temple. They were married for 57 years and had five beautiful children. Darrell was a loving father and wonderful support to his family.

He was self-taught in a variety of skills and driven to develop his mechanical and engineering knowledge.  For over thirty-five years, Darrel worked as a maintenance manager at E-Systems, Rockwell International, Litton, Nicholas Foods, and Teltrust.

His many hobbies included hunting, camping, rockhounding, waterskiing, snow skiing, fishing, photography, scuba diving, jeeping, and four-wheeling. He cherished spending time with his family and friends at his beloved cabin in Indianola. He had a true love for dogs, geodes, big boats, John Wayne movies, orange sticks and Dr. Pepper.

Darrell was a tough, tender-hearted man with an adventurous spirit. His authentic passion for life touched all those who knew him. His life and example will live on to inspire many generations to come.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle Dowdy Burton; his five children Loralyn Hales (Larry), Pamela Evans, Monique Keetch (Steven), Nicole Darling (Joe), and Lyman Dustin Burton; thirteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters Donette Scott and Linda James (Larry).

The viewing will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor Friday, October 25th from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26th. Viewing will begin at 9:30 am and the funeral will follow at 11:00 am at the Winder 3rd Ward, 4551 South 1200 East. Interment to follow at Elysian Burial Gardens.

The family would like to thank the staff of Silverado Hospice, especially Danny, Terra, Josefa, Mia, Kristine, Tammy and Dr. Fehlauer for their loving care.