Frederick Melvin Burton

By | February 25, 2015

Frederick Melvin Burton joined his Lord in heaven on February 24, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. He is survived by Mabel Ruth Burton, his wife of 55 years. Children are Michael (Courtney) Burton of Wapakoneta, Ohio; Melody (Brent Bunnell) Burton of Arlington, Texas; and Melissa (Jason) Creel of Burleson, Texas. Grandchildren are Blake Bunnell, Claire Burton, Michael Burton, and Ryan Bunnell.

Born in Jackson County, Ohio on July 16, 1932, Melvin was a lifelong resident of Jackson and Athens Counties in Ohio, before he and Mabel moved to Arlington, Texas in 2005. A true gentle soul, Melvin was quick with a joke, fast with his smile and liked by all. Dedicated, loyal to his family and friends, and never angry, Melvin will truly be missed.

Melvin graduated from Jackson High School in 1950 and honorably served his country in the army in the Korean War. He and Mabel lived and raised their family in Jackson, briefly in Chillicothe, and primarily in Albany, Ohio. After learning to drive a semi during his military service, Melvin spent most of his working life driving a semi for 7Up & Pepsi Bottling of Athens. Melvin was then employed for several years by the Alexander School system performing grounds and maintenance work. Wanting to stay active after retirement, Melvin became a groundskeeper at Terra Verde Golf Club in Arlington.

In addition to his family, Melvin loved to farm, fish, hunt and work with his Percheron horses. He spent countless hours over the years helping his in-laws, the Newsom family, in their farming operation. His grandson Ryan recently stated, “I wish I could have gone fishing with grandpa one more time.” Many of us feel the same; as fishing with dad, grandpa, uncle or friend Melvin was one of life’s true joys. Melvin rarely missed the Newsom family Thanksgiving rabbit hunt, and more often than not, the younger members of the clan had to admit that Uncle Melvin had the long shot of the day. Late in life, Melvin returned to the farming style of his youth when he purchased one of his pride and joys, his team of Percheron horses. He enjoyed working with his horses for many years, before giving up this hobby when he moved to Texas.

A dedicated community volunteer, Melvin was a longtime member of the Alexander Lions Club, and past recipient of the Lion of the Year Award. Melvin was always eager and able to work, whether at the Heritage Show, the Athens County Fair, or the Albany Fairs.

Melvin and Mabel are also thankful for the congregation of the South Oaks Baptist Church, which they joined after moving to Arlington. With his natural outgoing personality, Melvin quickly became a greeter at church services. The entire Burton family truly thanks the members of this congregation for adopting our parents upon their move to Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Alexander Future Foundation, The Alexander Lions Club Scholarship Fund, or The South Oaks Baptist Church.

Friends and family may call at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson, Ohio on Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Denver Dodrill officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com