Lyman Darrell Burton
January 29, 1939 - October 18, 2019
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.
In Loving Memory
Dear Gayle & family, We are sorry for your loss. We know you will miss him. We pray that the Lord will give you comfort. We love you.
Kent & Gladys Brown
SLC, UT
So sorry for your family's loss at this time. It's very hard to let our loved ones go, even though we know they are going to a better place. It's the every day contact & the questions u want to asks them, it's a Million little things. He will be forever missed. Love your sweet family!!!
Nanette Provstgaard
West Valley City, UT
Daddy, I am so relieved for you, that you are not suffering any more with Parkinson's disease, Sundowner's disease and dementia. It was all horrible, the ways that it took you down, from such a strong and healthy man. But even to your last breath, I admire you, with your perseverance! By your wonderful example, you have taught me to be the very same way. And even though you were sick for many years, you never lost your quick sense of humor, that always made me laugh. You were polite, grateful, patient, loving, kind, and so sweet with all of your hugs and kisses. And I love how you always worried about Mom, asking and making sure that she was always okay. Before you past away, we all promised you, that we would take great care of Mom and each other, that you didn't need to worry. I loved just sitting at the kitchen table, talking with you, or you talking to me, or when we would be reminiscing about fun memories from the past, and we'd laugh, and sometimes we'd even cry. Daddy, you and Mom have raised all of us, to be great kid's, by the examples that both of you have set for all of us. We are a great Family, in which I'm so grateful to be apart of! I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father blessed us to be together as a Family! Daddy, thank you for being such a great Father to all of us kid's! I love you so much, and I miss you dearly, and always will, until I see you again. Love always and forever, your Daughter, Loralyn.
Loralyn Burton Hales
pleasant grove, ut