Charles Lindbergh “Chuck” Burton, beloved son of the late Clyde and Lula Maude Burton, passed away on Monday, July 19th after a period of declining health. He was 94.
Born on June 18th, 1927, in the small town of Newberry, SC, Chuck was one of eight children. He relocated to southern California in his early adulthood, where he was twice married, becoming the patriarch first to a family of four children with his wife Irene, and then to a second family with his wife Dora and two new daughters he loved as his own. He was a retired engineer from Northrop Aviation, where he had been employed for most of his working life. This career reflected Chuck’s life-long fascination with airplanes and flying, having earned a pilot’s license when he was still a teenager. He had a passion for reading, absorbing as much knowledge as he could to satisfy his natural curiosity. He loved spending time with his extended blended family, proving that one’s love isn’t divided as the number of loved ones grows, but is multiplied. Chuck served his country first in the Navy and then the Air Force, and he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Chuck was preceded in death by his loving wife Dora, his beloved son Philip, and his five sisters Velma Smith, Ruby Nell Amick, Corrine Burley, Peggy Cook, and Bonnie Cook. He is survived by two brothers, Carl Burton of Clinton, SC and Gerald Burton of Columbia, SC; four daughters, the Reverend Claudia Lovelace of Hominy, Ok, Michelle Kruschke (Terry) of Springdale, Ut, Teresa Goss (Jeff) of Redondo Beach, Ca, and Audrey Smith (Bill) of San Pedro, Ca; a son, David Burton (Valerie) of Fountain Inn, SC; nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, plus many more friends and family members. A private service will be held at sea to remember, celebrate, and say goodbye to this blessed man, on Thursday, July 29th.