It is with heartbreaking sorrow and sadness that we share Howard James Burton went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 14, 2021. Howard fought the brave fight to the end because of his deep love and devotion to his wife and family.
The son of Kenneth & Martha Burton, Howard was born on December 2, 1962. He grew up in Lowell, Michigan and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and of course everything to do with cars.
It was on New Year’s Eve, 1983 that Howard was to meet who would become the love of his life. His partner for 36 wonderfully fun years, Carol Marie Strouse. From then on it was forever, “Carol & Howard”; and he was embraced and loved by her family as one of their own. They married on October 20, 1984 and built a home in Lowell, where they raised two rambunctious, delightful little boys. They were the light of Howard’s life. Howard was a faithful, loving husband and dad who delighted in teaching his boys about everything including hunting & fishing, cars, wrestling, baseball, 4H, and especially football. If they were involved in one of these activities, Howard was there, never missing an opportunity to cheer on his boys. Even after his boys were grown, he continued to support his nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews in their activities. Family was everything to Howard and he lived it. Howard loved cooking, and we loved eating it. If you were fortunate enough to experience his cooking, then you were one of the lucky ones.
We cannot express our love for Howard without sharing his dedicated contribution to the Lowell Area Schools for so many years as a bus driver and paraprofessional. He was a favorite of so many, he loved the kids and they loved him.
One of Howard’s greatest blessings in life was becoming a Grandpa. His heart lit up like a Christmas tree. June was his love, and he loved doing all the grandpa things and sharing about his sweet girl.
Howard was a humble, kind, and sincere man with a heart of gold (with a bit of stubbornness thrown in). One of his greatest decisions in life, that was witnessed, was on September 10th, 2017; when Howard gave his heart to Christ and was baptized at Pebble Beach in Lowell. We will be united with you again Howard. Until we meet again dear husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and son. We love you and miss you beyond what words can express.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Burton; brothers-in-law, Ken Miller, Ron Strouse; and nephew, Jason Schumaker. Howard is survived by his loving & dedicated wife, Carol Marie Burton; sons, Phil (Stacey) Burton, Matt Burton; granddaughter, June Lea; father, Ken Burton; brother, Larry Burton; sister, Linda Miller; parents-in-law, DeWaine & June Strouse, brothers & sisters-in-law, Robert & Becky Strouse, Mark & Lisa Strouse, Leanne Dysard; loving & adoring nieces & nephews, Meagen & Zac Kruger, Kylie & Nathan Vanderkolk, Bailey Strouse, Kenny Dysard, Braeden Strouse, Andrew Strouse, Charlene DuChemin, Mindy Galatine, Michelle & Nick Onan, Dan Burton; several great nieces & nephews; and special family friend, Jessica White.
Please join us in celebrating Howard’s life at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, with visitation from 10 – 11 AM at the Bob Perry Memorial Stadium (Lowell Red Arrow Football Stadium), 11700 Vergennes St. SE, Lowell, Michigan, 49331. Interment Bailey Cemetery. Contributions in Howard’s memory can be directed to the Howard Burton Memorial Go Fund Me Page, https://gofund.me/c2408dfa
2 Responses
I am so sorry for the passing of Howard. Carol, you, Howard and your boys hold special memories for me. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Oh I was so saddened to hear this news. I truly enjoyed working with Howard. He was indeed a great person, always willing to help. The students really enjoyed him and he had such a nurturing way with them
He will be missed. So sorry for your loss Carol and Family.