Bom-Wrapper

Elbert Burton
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Assistant Fire Chief William E. Maxwell
"Growing up and hearing the stories about firefighting you had to share,I am sure"
View full message >>>
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Donna Oliva Greco
"How very privileged Mom and I were to have known this dear man. May he rest pea"
View full message >>>

Obituary for Elbert Wyman Burton Jr.

Elbert Wyman  Burton Jr.
SPRUCE HEAD - Elbert W. Burton, Jr., known to many as Burt or Junior, friend to all he met, died unexpectedly yet peacefully at the age of 88, following a brief period of declining health at PenBay Medical Center in Rockport.
Born November 23, 1927 in Spruce Head, just a few hundred feet from his lifelong home, Junior was the son of Elbert, Sr. and Eunice Wall Burton. He was educated in the South Thomason One Room School.
In 1946 Junior enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a military policeman in Germany at the end of World War II. Returning to the states after his honorable discharge, Junior spent a few years courting Violet Maxwell. While planning to wed, the couple built a home on Spruce Head Road. Junior and Violet were married at his family homestead in Spruce Head on June 6, 1954. After enjoying a honeymoon dinner at Moody’s Diner, they returned to their newly completed home where they have resided ever since. Junior and Violet took great pride in their home, keeping the grounds immaculate and tending a large vegetable garden together.
For most of his working career, Junior spent his days on the water, lobstering out of Spruce Head. Over the years he captained several of his own boats. Never one to be idle, during the winter he worked cutting trees. At one time he and a friend cut all the trees for the construction of the road around Rackliff Island.
Junior loved Spruce Head and South Thomaston from a young age. He was a co-founder of the South Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department. In 1994 he was honored for his 47 years of dedicated service to the department. A truck was dedicated to him at the same time. Junior continued his involvement with the Department in a limited role for another three years, helping direct traffic and in an administrative role. His 50 years of service will not be forgotten.
Junior will also be long remembered for his ‘Workshop,’ a treasured place where a ‘secret society’ of lobstermen met every Sunday night to swap stories and pass along local news. Although many of the same stories circulated inside the workshop, Junior’s knack for story telling kept everyone chuckling, and waiting to hear more.
With a quiet reverence, Junior and his wife dedicated countless hours caring for the Forrest Hill Cemetery situated behind their home. For over 50 years he and Violet mowed the lawn, kept the lots cleared and looking good, making sure each individual buried there received the honor and dignity they deserved. They could often be seen from sun up to sun down, especially on Memorial Day, in the cemetery, making things just right.
Predeceased by a sister Thelma Burton, Mr. Burton is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Violet of Spruce Head; his sons, David Burton of Spruce Head, Dana Burton and his partner Kenneth Thompson of Rockport; and a sister Violet Karl of Rockland.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 147, South Thomaston, Maine 04858.
To share a memory or condolence with the Burton family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Recently Shared Condolences

Recently Shared Stories

Recently Shared Photos

Share by: