Avis Burton

Avis Dean Burton passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Avis was born on June 20, 1927, the only child of William "Bill" and Zelma Burton in Edwards, Missouri. Avis spent his early years in Cross Timbers, Missouri with his family moving to Warsaw, Missouri in his early teens. After high school he joined the Merchant Marines and then also enlisted in the Army. Upon his return to Warsaw he fell in love and married Joan Marguerite Singleton on September 17, 1950. For 15 years he worked with his Dad as a barber in their Barber Shop. He purchased his first horse "BabyDoll" and spent many hours helping young children including his nieces and nephews learn to ride. His love of horses grew as well as his skill and he participated in Quarter Horse Cutting Competitions through out the midwest and south. For 30 years he and Joan were co-owners of the Burton Ford and Mercury Car Dealership in Warsaw. He served on the Board of Directors for the Warsaw Community Bank and was an active member of the Warsaw United Methodist Church. In the mid 1990's, Joan and Avis retired to Sun City and Waddell Arizona. Avis was a true gentleman with a kind and loving heart. He treated all individuals as well as animals with love and respect. All that knew Avis expected to see him in a cowboy hat with a big smile on his face. Avis leaves a loving wife and life-long companion, Joan as well as a sisters-in-law Judy Singleton, Betty Singleton Teeter deceased, and brothers-in-law, Robert Alma Singleton and Jim Karen Singleton. Nine nieces and nephews, 22 great nieces and nephews, and 8 great-great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 2 first cousins, Ron and Bill Hockman as well as many close friends. Avis will be interred at the Bethel Campground Cemetery in Edwards, Missouri. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to AERO Arizona Equine Rescue Organization 35452 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266 www.azequinerescue.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 www.shrinershq.org. Menke Funeral & Cremation Center handled arrangements.