Robert M. Burton of Waverly St., Springville died Friday September 22, 2006, at his residence. He was 65.

Born March 10, 1941, in Sandusky, he was a son of Marshall and Catherine (Weichmann) Burton. He married the former Sharon Vogel, who survives, on July 1, 1992 in a ceremony at Letchworth State Park.

Perhaps best known as the man with the holiday blow-ups on his front lawn, Mr. Burton loved his family and was known for his great sense of humor. He enjoyed being "Santa," and volunteered for charitable organizations in the Springville area for several years.

He was a 1959 graduate of Arcade Central School, and a meat cutter and assistant manager at the former A&P Store in Arcade. He went on to be meat manager at Tops in Springville for 15 years preceding his retirement.

An avid trapper and hunter, Mr. Burton was also a licensed taxidermist and worked at S&S Taxidermy in Springville. He was a vendor at the Springville Auction for many years.

Mr. Burton attended the Springville United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church of Franklinville.

Surviving, along with his wife, are five children: David (Christine) Burton of Franklinville, Brenda (Michael) Sparceno of Franklinville, Denise (Nate) Cornell of Franklinville, Betsy Burton of Franklinville and Darlene Burton of Franklinville; five stepchildren: Debbie Marvin of Springville, Anita (Joe) Beyea of Springville, Phillip (friend Kathy) Bence of North Collins, Darryl Bence of South Carolina, and Colleen (Jim) Doyle of Sandusky; a sister: Linda (Robert) Ellis of Orchard Park; five grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A grandson, Billy Burton, preceded him in death.
Funeral services were held Monday, September 25 at the First Baptist Church of Franklinville, with the Rev. Peter Spear officiating. Burial was in Yorkshire Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Arrangements were completed by W.S. Davis Funeral Home, Arcade.

©Arcade Herald 2006